Is anybody here familiar with this? I have a '68 down to bare body and after some of the body work I had plans of having it dipped to have a complete fresh start. In my mind the $1200-$1400 is worth it. Only problem I have heard about (and only heard it from one person) is that the chemicals from the dip in the cracks and seems tends to leak out over time??? Is this true and is it a problem? There would be new sealer and paint over the whole body by then. Any input?

The price seems a little high to me. I had my car media blasted for 500. I have been told by others in the business of dipped cars seeping later on. They described it as the cleaning liquid can never be completely removed from seams and pinch welds. After the car is finished and sitting in the hot sun, the liquid seeps from these seams and will trickle down and ruin the new paint. Never saw it, just took their word for it as they are in the business.

Are you sure they are talking about acid dipping? There is an acid dip but, that is used to lighten cars (an old trick) it thins the metal therefore making the car lighter (old racers used to do it, I have a buddy with an acid dipped car). Make sure they are talking about paint stripping and no acid dipping. You would never want to acid dip a street car or any car hat you want straight panels on. They get thin and wavy. I'm sure that is not the process you are talking about (at least I hope not).

I have heard of chemical strips "coming back" to haunt a paint job. I would think that these days they would be able to prevent that. If your car is down to a shell why not just strip it yourself? Not much to it at this point. You should be able to do it in a weekend.

ok, it's not acid dipping but Chemical stripping then. It's whatever people use when restoring cars that cleans off all Rust, paint, primer, grease, grim and sealants off the car. Yes the body is a bare shell at this point. But it needs some work and panels replaced which I was going to do first anyway. I am aware of media blasting but thought that the chemical dip would be worth it in $$$ to save time in stripping all rust and sealers. It must be a time consuming job to strip all the sealants off the car. Just seemed like a nice way to start fresh with everything clean and down to bare metal, then reseal everything with new sealants then prime it.

The paint stripper should always be neutralized with dishwasher detergent and water. It's best to use a pressure washer that will force the neutralizer into all areas that you can't see with the naked eye.

Some dippers also offer E-Coat dipping after the paint stripping is finished and they have to neutralize it before they can E-Coat. It's a good idea if you can handle the cost.

on a side note:

you guys have any idea where I might find a facility in southern California to dip my car?


I have searched high and low through phonebooks and google searches.... but not luck

Check out Strip Clean Co. in Santa Ana (714)775-7797
They did my 68 Camaro last December.
I am very happy with it.
No Paint or Rust left, gives me a clean pallet to work with.

Found out that a place in Todedo, OH (1 1/2 hrs from me) that does dipping but is done in a alkaline tank (kind of a electrolisis process I guess). This strips everything off the chassis but does not use the chemicals that seep out and eat paint later down the road.

how much does this generally cost? I've played with the idea myself but Ive never heard anyone in this area doing it and I didn't know what the total cost would be. I think its a good idea though, specially after finishing the panel replacements

just got off the phone with Charlie @ Strip Clean, they dont offer e-coating, $1400 aprox for the body, $140 per door, deck lid $150

Don't know if I am too interested in gettin my car dipped and zinc coated, Much rather go the e-coating route...

especially since i live about 500 yards from the ocean. everything rusts in 2 weeks.