'55 frame paint

[Michael L.]

Well, took the plunge today and took the motor out of the '55 and lifted the body off the frame. My 13 year old son was amazed how fast we could disect a Corvette... Frame had an interesting treatment by previous owner: frame was stripped and painted a copper color, almost a body quality paint finish. Then someone painted it black again.Found this out while power washing.
My question is: What frame paint is preffered? POR15, Hirsch or???

Mike

[John M.]

Re: '55 frame paint

Mike,
My personal preference is to prime the frame with PPG DP-90 epoxy primer, and topcoat it with PPG DCC single stage urethane, flatened to a semi-gloss level.
Standard old Tuxedo black is a good choice. I mix the flattener as needed rther than flattening the entire can, because then you can paint things gloss with what is left over if you want. This is a finish that looks very nice, and will wear like iron. I have never taken a single point deduct on my chassis for this finish. There are a lot of guys that like the lok of DP-90 as the final coat, but this material is intended as a primer, and not a finish coat.
When properly flattened, the DCC urethane will look very good and not at all too glossy.

Regards, John McGraw