The Power of Dry Ice Blasting in Car Restoration

Our latest project involved a Mazda RX-7 undergoing a full vehicle restoration—a true enthusiast’s dream. This was no ordinary job; the car arrived as a bare shell on skates, ready for a complete transformation using our cutting-edge Dry Ice Blasting process.

Tackling Thick Underseal with Dry Ice Blasting

One of the most challenging aspects of this restoration was the removal of multiple layers of underseal. In some areas, the underseal measured over 20mm thick, making traditional removal methods time-consuming and labour-intensive. However, with Dry Ice Blasting, we were able to efficiently strip away years of buildup, revealing the original surfaces underneath without damaging the metalwork.

For this particular project, we consumed a colossal 1,100kg of dry ice, ensuring every inch of the vehicle was meticulously cleaned. Dry Ice Cleaning is an incredibly effective technique for automotive restoration, as it eliminates contaminants, paint, and underseal without introducing moisture or abrasive damage.

Well, Well, Well, Look at this Spare Wheel Well.

One of the most satisfying aspects of this method of cleaning is stripping away decades worth of dirt, grime and underseal to be greeted by a Factory Fresh finish, and in Mazda’s case, this leaves behind the original, 25 year old factory “E-Coat” which has been effectively polished by the dry ice blasting process.

Uncovering Hidden Damage – Chassis Leg Repair

One of the most crucial discoveries during this process was hidden crash damage on the chassis leg. The previous repair had been concealed using body filler, making it difficult to detect under layers of underseal and coatings, (especially given the fact that the wheel alignment was confirmed correct!). However, the Dry Ice Blasting process effortlessly stripped away these layers, exposing the true condition of the metalwork underneath. This crucial finding allowed the vehicle’s owner, to take immediate action and arrange for the necessary repairs. Without Dry Ice Blasting, this damage may have gone unnoticed, potentially compromising the integrity of the restoration.

Transmission Tunnel – Preserving the Factory Finish

A key advantage of Dry Ice Blasting is its ability to clean surfaces without affecting the factory finish. A perfect example of this is the transmission tunnel, which was revealed to be in mint Mazda factory condition after the blasting process. Unlike harsh chemical treatments or abrasive media blasting, Dry Ice Blasting ensures that delicate surfaces are preserved, maintaining the originality of classic vehicles.

Front Wheel ArcXh – Ready for Rust Treatment

Another highlight of this project was the complete cleaning of the front wheel arch, where all underseal was removed in preparation for rust treatment. The Dry Ice Blasting process provided a pristine surface, allowing for proper application of rust protection products. This step is crucial in car restoration, ensuring longevity and durability for the vehicle’s future use.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Following the Dry Ice Cleaning, the Mazda RX-7’s shell came up looking fantastic, setting the stage for the next phase of its restoration journey. Whether it’s stripping away years of grime, preparing a chassis for repainting, or uncovering hidden issues, Dry Ice Blasting continues to prove itself as an essential tool in car restoration.

If you’re working on a restoration project and need a professional, non-abrasive cleaning solution, get in touch with us at Frostworks. Let’s bring your vehicle back to life with the power of dry ice!