I am debating which Makita to buy. I want to hit the firewall with one of these, and then eventually take my time to do the whole car. The GV7000C does 2500-4700 RPM. The 9227C does 0-3000 RPM. Will I need to use the extra 1700 RPM or is 3000 enough? That 9227C looks easier to use. Also, would I be okay using 80 grit discs, or would I use a different grit?

Click Here (http://www.makita.com/Tools_Item_View.asp?id=317) for the Makita GV7000C - 7" Vertical Sander.

Click Here (http://www.makita.com/Tools_Item_View.asp?id=257) for the Makita 9227C - 7" Electronic Sander.

I don't know how much RPM would be enough to build up heat and warp the sheetmetal, but the 7" Porter Cable I use is a 4000rpm unit and was too slow for my liking. Plus there's too many nooks and crannies on the firewall for one that big. I ended up using an orbital palm sander (square) and it worked much better.

Go to www.autobodystore.com (http://www.autobodystore.com)
There are a lot of helpful professional painters on the message board, and Len sells Makita sanders right on the site...he, or someone else can give you expert advice on which sander would be right for you...I have personally gotten tons of information from this board...one of the best resources on the net for bodywork.

Gambitt

Do you have a DA (orbital sander)? 40 grit on a DA goes fairly fast on a firewall.

I was thinking about picking up one of those Makita 5" variable speed random orbital sanders. Sounds like that is the way to go.

I've been using a 2" roloc disc with medium and fine scotchbrite pads on a right angle die grinder for the underside of my convertible. It gets into the small curved areas better than a big buffer with sandpaper.

I use paint stripper on firewalls due to the curves and seams. Just be sure to get it out of all of the crevices before primeing.