85 RX&, Tar is out, now what is the best way to remove the seam sealer
 

I have a 85 RX& that I am preparing for EM auto-x. It is getting a 5.0 V8, so I want to stitch weld the chassis for added rigidity. I have removed all of the sound deadening tar, now I need to get rid of the seam sealer. What is the best way to get it out (no sand blasting or chassis dipping)?

Thanks,

Jason

I haven't gone this far yet on my FP rx7. You can use a putty knife and just try to carve out as much as possible. I think I've heard of people using a propane torch to burn it out, but that seems a little risky... have a fire extinguisher close by. ;)

I was gonna try the putty knife, then wire wheel on grinder to finish it.

I used a propane torch and scraper. Worked well. Work in a well ventilated area

One of those 10,000 RPM angle grinders with a knotted wire wheel works best. The stuff comes in little fuzzy stringy bits but you will get down to clean metal quickly. After doing a couple cars I usually just end up cleaning up the most visable areas and leaving the rest. You aren't getting much weight out of the car, the stuff is paintable and it still is doing a job sealing the seam for you. It does burn though so that is the reason I get rid of it in areas where a fire may start.

Thanks.

Anyone try a hot air gun? I have one laying around, and might give it a shot.

It turns it gummy if I remember correctly.

Okay, I'll stick with the wire wheel that you suggested.

If you're going to be seam welding it, you'll have to get in there with a dental style pick and get everything out of the seams. Just scraping what's visable w/o getting in there between the seam is only half of the job. If you don't get in the seam you'll be burning through like crazy while having molten metal run down the back of your neck ;)

Thanks for the heads up.

whats the chance of increase metal fatigue by burning it out?