# Chapter 224

Sandblasting old metal is a great shortcut. We have been remodeling a 55 year old truck and we started out sanding everything by hand and needless to say, the project was moving very slowly. Eventually we wanted to pick the pace of our work up to another level, and so you have to choose a different path and process to make that happen. This is a time shortcut, not a cost shortcut. It costs more money, a good deal more money, but the time savings are enormous. Everyone has to decide what they value most. With this sandblasting method we went from raw truck bed to primer in 2.5 weeks. That would have normally taken us at least six weeks without the shortcut.

There are downsides to shortcuts, there always are consequences to taking the quicker path, and this is true in restorations and most other projects in life. Actually I would warn you away from health shortcuts because of the organic nature of this process usually has a boomerang effect. Slow and steady is the way to go health wise.

If you have the money and don’t have the time, shortcuts can be a nice addition, but approach with caution, there are always unintended effects.