Chassis Coating

[syborg tt]

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.

Originally Posted by wmhjr

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.

[ProTouring442]

Originally Posted by syborg tt

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 don't know... I've seen too many Harley frames that, after a few years of abuse, are peeling due to rust migration that started from a simple chip. Of course, everything under my car is semi-flat black or undercoat, but I really like a good paint as it can always be sanded and repainted wherever it needs it. Plus, if I make a modification, I don't have to worry about the heat, I just scuff and paint.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

[CraigMorrison]

Not sure if it has been mentioned, when we did our '55 chassis, the powdercoating shop did a base coat in zinc and a color topcoat. Both were powders. So, if it does chip, the zinc will offer rust protection. Pretty cool and something to think about for the powdercoat votes.

[jy211]

I had the frame on my 55' project powdercoated.

[79 Camaro]

Quick note on powder coat as you prepping the frame or whatever parts.

I like and used powder on frames. Good sand blast to give the metal some "tooth" and it sicks like crazy.

Allot of cracks in powder coat start from a sharp edge. Powder doesn't adhere well over sharp corner like a frame or suspension mount. If you can slightly rounnd edges and the powder will take a hit better and not crack.

Another thing is layers of powder. The more layers you have the better the chances of attachment bolts will crack the powder coat they are tighten. Split lockers washers are tough on powder coat.

The company I work for has a powder coat shop and does zinc, nickel and anodizing. Nickel is very durable. I've used it allot on things like hood hinges,
headers, and latchs. Nickel "wears" better if parts rub on each other.

[badmatt]

Stationary I like to use a ceramic paint.

anything that moves: Electroless or Sulfamate Nickle.