Here are my thoughts

Chassis - POR or Paint
Why: Most frames need a little body work and you can't powder it once it's body worked.

Anything that bolts to the chassis - Powder

I don't understand what you're saying. What do you mean by "most frames need a little body work"? Assuming that the frame is off the body to start with (otherwise powder isn't even an option). Or is it that you still believe for some reason that you can't touch up a powder coated frame if you need to modify it? Just trying to understand the logic here.

Rust & pitting in most cases

New Frames - not needed

OK, so exactly what is different about elimination of rust and/or pitting that makes powder undesirable? If you are prepping the frame to begin with (dipping, blasting, etc) then what's the difference? Let's face it, if you're using POR, then you're not going for a super smooth attractive finish. I'm still not understanding what you're saying.

Ok my choice would personally be bodywork and paint. Not POR becuase it isn't baby butt smooth.

I've seen shops powder a frame then smooth out the ruff spots and then paint it.

Unless you have hours upon hours to smooth ( metal work ) a rusty frame that you are trying to make look semi-show quality Powder isn't the way to go.

?? are you from Cali by any chance

Nope. Not from CA.

If you're trying to build a total show car frame that will be suspended and have mirrors and lights under it, then paint is the only way to go. But then, you're not driving the car and CERTAINLY not "pro-touring" the car. I'm talking about high end custom paint.

How many people here are smoothing their frames to remove all pits and marks? 1%? 3%? My build competed (and won) in multiple ISCA shows. The frame was original, got sandblasted, I did some welding for reinforcement, and it got powdercoated. And that stuff is TOUGH. The other thing is that powder is thicker, and fills many of the imperfections that paint will not.

Guess we'll just agree to disagree, but the only 3 times I'd recommend paint over powdercoat are:

1) If you're building a total, all out, indoor ISCA show car that you're not planning to drive much.

2) If you have no money at all and do not have a reasonable powder coater in your area.

3) If you cannot pull the body off the frame.

I agree 100%

Just to throw this out there Marty and Bill,you can smooth with filler before powder. You just have to use the correct stuff. This works well, http://www.eastwood.com/hi-temp-lab-metal-24-oz.html
I have not used it, but a friend has and I have seen the results. Not bad at all. It can be thinned with solvent for spreadability and also smoothed with a solvent soaked cloth. This may be the route we go. Just thought you would both be interested. :thumbsup: :cheers:

Actually I agree with you. I like/love powder and your right most people don't need the Show Car look. I am going to powder most everything that I can on my car. The goal is to take it out and beat the crud out of it and Powder can withstand the abuse.

A good friend Powder a Mountain Bike Frame almost 15 years ago and I've beat the crap out of it and there isn't a chip on it. Plenty of dents - no chips.

I have a question that is slightly off topic. First, let me say I prefer powdercoat myself. I too, will powdercoat everything I can...i.e., frame, control arms, brackets, rear end, etc. Now, the question I have is...other than powder, paint and POR, what in the hell is the "other" option that some of the guys are voting for? Didn't know there was anything else you could do other than the three aforementioned choices.