Remove everything?

[nsmall]

I'm assuming it's best to remove everything in these pictures prior to Media Blasting? All plugs...Metal and rubber?  All the sealer?

I'm assuming the media Blaster can blast out the sealer but why not scrape what I can and clean things up the best I can?

The sound deadener is basically like tar underneath so I'm assuming scrape what I can and then use a torch? 

[71GranCoupe]

When you got your quotes, did he mention any of the items you mentioned? In my thinking, anything that is left for the blaster to remove before he can actually start his work, would be better to already been removed/taken off. If he has an employee to it or even himself, it may not be in the quote. The sound deadener is going to be a chore if it is stuck on like I have seen. The plugs come out easy, but still takes time. If me, I would get the chassis prepped as best as possible for blasting, then the guy doing it can get right into it. 

[Burdar]

   Remove all that stuff.  Get as much of the seam sealer out of there before going to the blaster.  Take good pictures of the body plugs and their locations.  New body plug kits are available but they aren't correct for a 73.  You may have to reuse some of your original ones.

It might be a good idea to invest in a heat gun.  IMO, they work better then a torch...faster and don't burn the material as easily.(causing nasty smoke you'll be inhaling)

[HP_Cuda]

One word - yes.

[nsmall]

I'll try the heat gun method first but my media Blaster recommended that I spray some gasoline on the dynomatting.

He said spray some on there, let it dry and spray some more on there.  Sound nuts?

Thanks

[jimynick]

No, he's not nuts. The coating is asphalt based and the gas will cut into it. Having said that, if you do it, do it in a well ventilated area and obviously, keep any source of spark/excess heat away or you'll have it off faster than you may want to've and, eyebrows grow back really slowly.   

[nsmall]

@Burdar

Thanks.  I'm going to go buy a heat gun tomorrow as it seems like that's a good tool to have in a garage.

Ill avoid huffing gas or burning down my car for now.

As for the body plugs I was thinking of just getting some pliers and grabbing a hold of those suckers and ripping on them. 

Does that sound about right or is there a better technique as I would like to reuse some of them if the new body plug kit I bought from Roseville Mopars doesn't have all the proper plugs.  Thanks!!!

Making serious progress

[Burdar]

Pliers are going to destroy the plugs.  Get under the lip with a screwdriver.  It might work better to work from under the car.  Push on the lower lip.  Once you get one edge through the hole, the rest of the plug should push right through.

[JS29]

                don't waste your money on A cheep heat gun, buy one with A cool down feature. the hi-low-off guns don't last as long. A quality gun has off- cool -low-hi on the switch and I found they last A lot longer.   

[jimynick]

You don't have to heat them much to get them out. I saved all the ones from my Challenger without wrecking any of them and I'm sure you can, too. Good luck.

[nsmall]

@jimynick

I think JS29 was referring to my Dyno matting on picture number 2 of this thread.

Heading out now to go try to remove some of this.