Restoration Technique Questions

[72-SS-L48]

I have a few questions about some restoration terms I have recently heard. Please advise.

1 - If someone says "I applied descaler needles to the entire chassis surface" what does that mean?

2 – If someone says I removed residual rust with "wet wire wheel process". What does “wet wire wheel process mean? I know what wire wheeling is but what is the difference between a regular wire wheel process and a wet wire wheel process?

3 - What does the term "Skim Coat" mean? And specifically what type of 3m Epoxy would you "Skim Coat" with?

4 - Has anyone heard of "Sikkens Fine Filler", if so what type of product is it and where can I purchase some?


Thanks in advance,

-Dave

[Dave Rifkin]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a few questions about some restoration terms I have recently heard. Please advise.

1 - If someone says "I applied descaler needles to the entire chassis surface" what does that mean?

<font color="red"> If I am thinking about the right tool, think of a descaler as looking like a pnuematic air gun with multiple metal rods sticking out the end. Through compressed air these metal rods move in and out at a high rate of speed and pummel the surface, removing the scale. </font>

2 – If someone says I removed residual rust with "wet wire wheel process". What does “wet wire wheel process mean? I know what wire wheeling is but what is the difference between a regular wire wheel process and a wet wire wheel process?

<font color="red"> I have no idea what this refers to.</font>

3 - What does the term "Skim Coat" mean?

<font color="red"> I have heard the term "skim coat" when people refer to use of body fillers. A skim coat is a thin layer of filler used to fill low spots and/or pin holes in panels. </font>

<font color="black"> I could be way off on all explanations but, figured I'd give it a shot. </font>

Thanks in advance,

-Dave

[/ QUOTE ]

[SS454]

[ QUOTE ]
4 - Has anyone heard of "Sikkens Fine Filler", if so what type of product is it and where can I purchase some?

<font color="blue"> </font> It is a very thin polyester product (used to for skim coating, a thin bondo) I work for Sikken and you can get it from a Sikkens jobber or a Sikkens branch. Do a Google search for Akzo Nobel which is the parent company for Sikkens automotive paint. If you can't find anyone in your area let me know and I can get it for you.

Thanks in advance,

-Dave

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[Schonyenko2]

Are you looking to have something done, or is this something that someone told you that you needed, or someone is telling you they had this done?
Descaling needles might be what was described by the gentleman who said it might be an air hammer operation. Wet wheel I've not heard of either.
I guess I believe that a sand, or glass bead blasting on a frame/chassis is a pretty reliable/cost effective process.
Sikkens makes good high end paint products. We usually use Evercoat fillers, and start over dplf90 ppg epoxy primer. We've never found anything that works better over bare metal. Top coats are Sikkens or Dupont, depending on the color.
As a rep for Sikkens, do you ever get in the Quad cities area? Arnold's collision shop, where we shoot our cars, and Just bad Joe paints is a Sikkens shop.

[72-SS-L48]

Hey Guys,

Thank you for your input. I'm in NY and cannot find (even with the help of Google) any local Sikkens dealers. I have used Evercoat products in the past but I was unaware that they are produced by Sikken's.

I am asking these questions, as these techniques where listed on a restoration invoice, from a Corvette a friend of mine owns. I’ve done restoration work for years now and have never heard of these techniques. Just trying to get further educated and make my restoration projects the best they could be.

Thanks again,

-Dave

[67L78conv]

"1 - If someone says "I applied descaler needles to the entire chassis surface" what does that mean?"

The descaling needler is a pneumatic air hammer type of device used in the boiler trades mostly. It is used to remove heavy scale from boiler tubes without removing good steel. I have one here somewhere but can't seem to find it to get a pic for you. It basically looks a lot like a typical air ratchet in size and length but the head portion instead of being the air ratchet design has 20 or so hardened steel wires that stick out about 4 inches or so. When you apply the air it creates a hammer type effect with the ends that removes the scale buildup by hitting it with high force in a small area. I can see it being used on frames but unless you are very good with it or use lower air pressure it can leave a surface that is far rougher than sandblasting. The boiler tubes that it is intended for are a much harder alloy than vehicle frames. Again it is intended for removing heavy scale in boilers such as carbon, ash, etc. that gets very very thick and hard.

[72-SS-L48]

[ QUOTE ]
"1 - If someone says "I applied descaler needles to the entire chassis surface" what does that mean?"

The descaling needler is a pneumatic air hammer type of device used in the boiler trades mostly. It is used to remove heavy scale from boiler tubes without removing good steel. I have one here somewhere but can't seem to find it to get a pic for you. It basically looks a lot like a typical air ratchet in size and length but the head portion instead of being the air ratchet design has 20 or so hardened steel wires that stick out about 4 inches or so. When you apply the air it creates a hammer type effect with the ends that removes the scale buildup by hitting it with high force in a small area. I can see it being used on frames but unless you are very good with it or use lower air pressure it can leave a surface that is far rougher than sandblasting. The boiler tubes that it is intended for are a much harder alloy than vehicle frames. Again it is intended for removing heavy scale in boilers such as carbon, ash, etc. that gets very very thick and hard.

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks for the info. I have a air hammer so I might go out and get the needle attachment just to see what it’s all about. My frame techniques have worked nicely thus far; I don't see a need to change, just like to research my other options.

Thanks again!

Dave

[BJCHEV396]

Man you learn something new on this site every day!

[SS454]

[ QUOTE ]

As a rep for Sikkens, do you ever get in the Quad cities area? Arnold's collision shop, where we shoot our cars, and Just bad Joe paints is a Sikkens shop.

[/ QUOTE ]

No I handle Chicago and the burbs. But if ever need any help I can always try. I like to get away every now and again

[Keith Tedford]

I've also seen guys use these to remove the slag after arc welding. Seemed to do a fine job. Might even have a shot peening effect to toughen the surface around the weld. That's only a guess.