Paint Removal

[jhartings]

Has anyone else had issues with getting paint removal/blasting because of the military paint being hazardous? Anyone know any options?

[Beast]

The enamel paints used on our trucks is not the hazardous paint know as CARC which is a known cancer causing agent that was used on military vehicles starting in the mid 80's on up. That doesn't mean you should not use PPE when stripping it, just that you don't need a full respirator to do it. I had my M715 completely blasted to bare metal back when I restored it and the paint was tuff but came off no problem. Just make sure you use a media blaster that knows what they are doing as it is really easy to heat warp the hood and doors on these trucks. On my M725 I just used an orbital sander to prep for paint as the original base layer and primer were still decent.

[Don Cavey]

Interesting. I would have thought that for sure the vintage paint contained lead but I have absolutely no data on that. Thanks for the information.

Also, I totally agree. The original primer and paint was of excellent quality (Let's face it... It was MILITARY quality!) Rough up the original stuff, remove rust or flaking and go from there. No need to reinvent the world.

[jhartings]

How can I prove that the M715 paint does not contain lead? The blasting companies around here refuse to even quote it because they think the paint is hazardous.

[Beast]

How can I prove that the M715 paint does not contain lead? The blasting companies around here refuse to even quote it because they think the paint is hazardous.

It's just basic single stage enamel, it would be no different than them blasting a 67' Camaro.

[jhartings]

I agree, but they see 1967 and military and assume lead/environmental hazard... I might have to find some way to prove what paint was spec. Anyone know of any spec docs?

[DAVEJ]

Lead test kits are available at hardware and big box lumber stores.

[jhartings]

Awesome. Thanks Dave!

[Barrman]

It is my understanding that all automotive paint contained lead until 1983 or so. That is why all of the cars of that time period lost their paint in a very short time. They didn't know how to make non lead paint that actually stuck. Leading to clear coat to keep the color on.

Check your paint if possible. It could be lead free. I'm with Randy though. Be glad it isn't CARC. That stuff will kill you.

[jhartings]

Got an answer back from the blaster guy.... he reached out to others and here is the answer he gave me...

“Ok, just heard back. CARC is the chemical that is a problem, and I’m told that a 1967 model would not have it, so good to go.”

I am set for blasting!