Asphalt Paint Texture

[Anthony L.]

Hi everyone! Thank you for having me. I'm blown away by the amount of knowledge on this forum. Such an incredible community.

I am doing a restoration on a '67 convertible and would like to keep everything NCRS correct. With that in mind I am painting my frame with Quanta's asphalt based paint. My question is what would the appropriate texture be? Should it be glass smooth? Should it be sprayed super heavy/runny?

I've noticed that when I spray the paint at Quanta's recommended settings I get a very faint, dry texture (pics attached). I think it looks great but I've been searching for the correct finish so as not to receive any NCRS deductions. I have read here that the frames were "hosed" with the asphalt coating over a tub. This would lead me to believe that the finish would be wet/heavy with some runs.

Any suggestions or experiences with this? I know the gloss is a point of debate but I haven't seen any mention of surface texture.

[David H.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Anthony,

Welcome to Technical Discussion board!

While awaiting responses, note similar thread links that have been generated at page bottom.

Dave

[Ron G.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Dave,

That's right, A.O. Smith painted the frames with a system called the "Flo - Coat System" . All thru GM the frames were painted basically the same way. I say basically because other models from GM were painted with paint being distributed thru what looked like shower heads, but A.O. Smith painted their frames with the following process:

1. Frames were sent into a wash and then rinsed off with hot water before painting.

2. The frames were sent into an oven at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes to ensure they were dry so the paint would adhere.

3. 2 men at each end of the frame would have a hose that was 2 inches in diameter where the paint would pour out from.

4. The top side was painted first and then the bottom.

5. Frames were then taken to be stacked on a pallet and their part number and date would then be stenciled with paint rolled on with a cheap white enamel paint. This would explain why the stencil is upside down.

6. A.O. Smith used asphalt base paint from 1953 thru March of 1968. After that frames were painted with Dupont 640 black primer thru 1975. However, while they were exhausting the asphalt paint they started utilizing the latter coating. It is not uncommon to see some 68's with asphalt and even some early 69 built frames with the same except for later built 1969 frames.


7. As far as texture is concerned, the asphalt is less consistent than the Dupont 640, and therefor it resulted in seeing more runs in the paint. The finish is flatter and it does possess a mild texture. In regard to the Dupont, it has a semi-sheen and is smooth in comparison.


Many years ago I was able to secure some of the original asphalt and Dupont 640 which I still have enough of both to do 1 car each. I hope I answered your question and was able to help you. - Ron

[Anthony L.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Dave,

That's right, A.O. Smith painted the frames with a system called the "Flo - Coat System" . All thru GM the frames were painted basically the same way. I say basically because other models from GM were painted with paint being distributed thru what looked like shower heads, but A.O. Smith painted their frames with the following process:

1. Frames were sent into a wash and then rinsed off with hot water before painting.

2. The frames were sent into an oven at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes to ensure they were dry so the paint would adhere.

3. 2 men at each end of the frame would have a hose that was 2 inches in diameter where the paint would pour out from.

4. The top side was painted first and then the bottom.

5. Frames were then taken to be stacked on a pallet and their part number and date would then be stenciled with paint rolled on with a cheap white enamel paint. This would explain why the stencil is upside down.

6. A.O. Smith used asphalt base paint from 1953 thru March of 1968. After that frames were painted with Dupont 640 black primer thru 1975. However, while they were exhausting the asphalt paint they started utilizing the latter coating. It is not uncommon to see some 68's with asphalt and even some early 69 built frames with the same except for later built 1969 frames.


7. As far as texture is concerned, the asphalt is less consistent than the Dupont 640, and therefor it resulted in seeing more runs in the paint. The finish is flatter and it does possess a mild texture. In regard to the Dupont, it has a semi-sheen and is smooth in comparison.


Many years ago I was able to secure some of the original asphalt and Dupont 640 which I still have enough of both to do 1 car each. I hope I answered your question and was able to help you. - Ron

Thank you for the help.

So would I be correct to assume based on your information that my finish is to "dry"? If I understand your point above I would spray each side nice and wet, even with a few runs in the correct direction.

[Ron G.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Anthony,

It went on of thicker than if you sprayed it because of their method of application. However, there are different manufactures and all could differ in some way. Just cover it could and let the runs happen as you paint it. Asphalt paint never really dries. It is similar to radiator paint where you can scratch it with your fingernail as opposed to the Dupont primer where it produces a much more durable and harder finish. - Ron

[Anthony L.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Just an update to this for future searches...

I sprayed the asphalt on heavier and it looked great. Even added a few runs for authenticity. A few days later however I noticed a couple areas where the coating developed tiny "spider cracks".

This must have been due to the thicker coating curing at an uneven rate. Very frustrating to say the least. Now I'll have to go back and find a way to correct it.

Frankly I think it looks best when sprayed a little dry as in the pics above. It gives the chassis a nice even texture and sheen. If it was my car I think I'd take the deduction and just have it powder coated the appropriate gloss and color. The asphalt coatings remains tacky and can't be touched or cleaned without leaving marks.

[Michael J.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

If it was my car I think I'd take the deduction and just have it powder coated the appropriate gloss and color. The asphalt coatings remains tacky and can't be touched or cleaned without leaving marks.

I agree, I just got finished doing my '66, and that looks, cleans, and lasts much better:

[Leif A.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

I agree, I just got finished doing my '66, and that looks, cleans, and lasts much better:

Looks great Michael. You're going to love it!!

[Dick W.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

We always used an epoxy primer over the bare metal and then Deltron flattened to 70% (eggshell) Very minimal to no deductions on the cars we put through the system

[Michael J.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Looks great Michael. You're going to love it!!

Thanks Leif, after seeing yours when I was judging your car, it convinced me what to do. We also added some drips and runs in strategic places to make it look more TFP.

[Peter M.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Mike,
I don't want to highjack this thread, however I am curious if you plan on dropping the body back on the frame with the rad, shroud, condenser and support already installed in the frame?
Thanks

[Michael J.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Mike,
I don't want to highjack this thread, however I am curious if you plan on dropping the body back on the frame with the rad, shroud, condenser and support already installed in the frame?
Thanks

Hi Peter, no all those will come off when the body is mated back onto the frame soon. That setup was temporary to run the engine and test everything while all was easily accessible in case of leaks, noises, etc. We ran it last week and this week, and broke in the cam, seated the rings, etc., while also doing the burn-off of the overspray on the exhaust (smelly job). Here are some pictures of the electrical, gauges, etc. for the break in and testing, we also mounted the TI amp temporarily so all the system were set up and tested:

[Peter M.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Thanks Mike,
It sure would be nice to be able to leave all that stuff in place.

[Michael J.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Thanks Mike,
It sure would be nice to be able to leave all that stuff in place.

Right, if only life was so easy........

[Peter M.]

Re: Asphalt Paint Texture

Mike,
Your chassis is a work of art! It's almost a shame to cover it with the body.