Looking for input/recommendations with regards to powder coating small parts. For those that have past experience doing this in their restoration, your suggestions would be appreciated. On the other hand, perhaps it may not be a good idea? Thank you in advance, Jack J.
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Re: Powder Coating
Jack,
I love it and it can be painted over if it has to be repaired.
There is a painter here in the valley that uses it as a primer. I especially like how it sneaks in areas that are not exposed. My 67 coupe frame was $500 and that beats all the work that needs to be done to prep for paint. I got a tour thru their large building and was impressed as to the blasting, then assembly line, solution washing, dryer. I also had all other satin black/semi done. I had to match paint a small part of the frame that had a welded tag on it and matched the powder coating with acrylic enamel that I toned to remove the gloss.
It looks like paint and was much cheaper for a better job. I have done 2 frames and related parts and will not do it any other way. I considered acid dipping followed by a primer dip but am satisfied with powder coating.
Dom -
Re: Powder Coating
Are you a DIY er? and how big are the parts. For small parts and a harbour freight powder coat kit and a toaster oven, you can do it yourself.
I have done small parts but not for a C3 since there is no powder stuff on it originally.Steve L
73 coupe since new
Capital Corvette Club
Ottawa, CanadaComment
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Re: Powder Coating
I dont like powder coating . I think it is to thick to brittle and can crack and allow moisture under the coated areas . It does not have a prime coat so the rust can travel . It also can bridge in corners .It might be good for some things but I dont think frames and susp. parts are on of them . Sorry I didnt mean to make anyone mad this is just my opinion . BillComment
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Re: Powder Coating
I have done a little. I bought a setup from Sears and a friend whose mother was remodeling her kitchen gave me a built in wall open. I built a frame on casters so I can move the oven out of the way when not in use and I have used it for some brackets for my race car and a couple of other things. It does a real nice job as far as I'm concerned, but I have a couple of problems with it. First, if you are only doing small jobs, it's a pain to set up. It's a lot easier to just grab a rattle can. Second, unless you go whole hog, you are stuck with doing little jobs. Even with my house oven, I can only get 14" wheels in (no 15's), so you are pretty limited with what you can do. My oven was constantly in the way. I finally moved it behind my tire changer where it's out of the way most of the time, but if I have to change a tire, I'll be moving crap for 15 minutes.Comment
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Re: Powder Coating
Love it
Many complain that it is too thick - if that is true - find a different coater
A good coater can make powder look almost like paint
Super durable
It can be wetsanded and polished1954 Corvette #3803 - Top Flight 2012, Bloomington Gold 2012,
Triple Diamond Award 2012, Gold Concourse Award 2012, Regional and National Top Flight 2014
1954 Corvette #3666 - "The Blue Devil" - Pennant Blue - restoration started
1957 Corvette - FI 3 sp - Black and SilverComment
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Re: Powder Coating
I've saw a C2 frame that was Power Coated, it look gorgeous. If I was a judge would call it over-restored. Do they typical to ding someone for that type of over-restoration?
MikeComment
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Re: Powder Coating
Yes, If the chassis judges are doing their task correctly. It definitely is covered by CDCIF standards. I see violations in assembly process and finish both in appearance and over restored.
As of my knowledge the only piece on the car that was powder coated was the oil canister. And was applied thin at best.Comment
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Re: Powder Coating
I agree with Chris, I have used different powder coaters and had different finishes. I only use one for my treasures and they replicate paint. The only thing that does not look original is that it is 100% coverage and has the absence of rust creeping out of the siems. It covers places that are not visible, (rust free). The place I use does a metal prep after the blasting. Both of my frame vin #s are visible and I got compliments on the paint job that wasn't. I had my boat trailer done by a closer company along with some machine parts and they came back looking as some described, (thick).
I can see the point here on both sides, but my guy did it exactly as I wanted it and it looks like a well done paint job.
As I said in my other post, I had to paint a portion of my frame, ( removal of state vin) and match paint it over bare metal. No one can find the paint on the frame. The CA vin verification guy that checked the frame #s complimented the job and asked if it was paint or powder coated. I really depends on who does the work. My lawn chairs and table are outside all year since 1994, well used, and still look new. I think some want their parts to look the same. Maybe some day they will have spray rust in a rattle can and then it will judge better, Ha Ha.
Dom
DomComment
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Re: Powder Coating
If a frame "APPEARS" to look OE - if its APPEARS to be the correct color - If a frame APPEARS to have the correct amount of flatness etc.... it will pass judging
I know personally of numerous frames that are coated that pass judging....
if it is done correctly -1954 Corvette #3803 - Top Flight 2012, Bloomington Gold 2012,
Triple Diamond Award 2012, Gold Concourse Award 2012, Regional and National Top Flight 2014
1954 Corvette #3666 - "The Blue Devil" - Pennant Blue - restoration started
1957 Corvette - FI 3 sp - Black and SilverComment
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Re: Powder Coating
Interestingly, I came across a YouTube video from a company (Tech Line Coatings) that makes a product called Liqui-Powdr Base that is mixed WITH the powder(old blender) and then sprayed on the part using a detail spray gun. The part is then baked/cured in an old oven or by using a heat gun. I called the company based in Texas and they no longer sell retail and only sell to licensed paint shops. A quart of Liqui-Powdr sells for $32.00 (or $105.00 a gal.) and covers 100 sq/ft with a thickness of .001-.0015. For those interested the company's telephone # is (972)775-6130 or you can watch the YouTube clip. My original thread was regarding SMALL parts or what might fit in a working conventional electric home oven that was discarded and FREE and inspired me to post. Jack J.Comment
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Re: Powder Coating
Yup, just like base/clear coat paint jobs! Whoops! I agree if it looks factory it shouldn't get any deducts! That goes for EVERYTHING!
1973 LS-4 454 coupe owned 24 years
1996 LT-4 Collector coupe owned 15 months
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA currently on tap!
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Re: Powder Coating
you got it Rich !!!!!!!
1954 Corvette #3803 - Top Flight 2012, Bloomington Gold 2012,
Triple Diamond Award 2012, Gold Concourse Award 2012, Regional and National Top Flight 2014
1954 Corvette #3666 - "The Blue Devil" - Pennant Blue - restoration started
1957 Corvette - FI 3 sp - Black and SilverComment
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Re: Powder Coating
ok guys need advice, c1 frame just stripped and after 60 years the metal surface is not "smooth" will powder fill in the lows and make for a smooth finish. or do i need to fill all the lows first, and if so what do you suggest using since the filler must hold up to 450 degrees and not off gas.
most of the frame is simply rough from 60 years of oxidation nothing much greater that 1/32-1/16"Comment
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