The 1959 Ford Thames campervan restoration begins.

Re sandblasting for the DIYer:

Theres a newer technique called soda blasting. The media does not harm rubber or glass, and is a lot easier to clean up, just hosing down the site (biodegradeable baking soda). Easier to have a professional with a portable unit come to your site. One in our area will strip an entire car for about $600 USD. Only several hours of work.

I had a rather nasty engine compartment to strip and repaint: the $100 I was charged was well worth the effort saved.