8 1/4 Refurbish

I picked up an 8 1/4 from a 73 Duster in a junk yard. I thought I'd wait until winter to attack it but I'm thinking of taking advantage of the warm weather.

I'm going to have it blasted, primed and painted. What should be removed, what should stay in place to be blasted. I've removed the brake shoes etc, leaving on the backer plate. I plan to drain it and I'm thinking the access plate should be removed and a new gasket put on.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.