Chassis paint

[Tom L.]

Good morning, Working on a project that doesn't require originality or an expensive powder coat. It's just a driver. I've read that choices include GM chassis paint, POR15, John deer tarctor paint and even some rustoleum products that are available at your local bog box store. Any thoughts on a reasonbly durable paint and primer (if required) combination? Thanks!

[Gary C.]

Re: Chassis paint

Tom,

Imron paint works great for a driver.

Gary
....

[Mark S.]

Re: Chassis paint

I use "Old 55" Tractor & Implement satin black spray can paint that I get at my local Fleet Farm store. It sprays well, does not run like Rustoleum, and if you need to touch up, it works great. It will spray good over other paints, dries fairly fast and is inexpensive to use. I am sure that there are others; however, this is my go-to paint.

[Tom K.]

[Mark E.]

Re: Chassis paint

I've found POR15 extremely durable and resistant to chemicals (gasoline, brake fluid). I roll and brush it on. Disadvantages: cost, looks "thicker" than the factory finish (similar look to the plastic-dip coating used for tool handles), and nearly impossible to remove from your skin if it dries.

But a great option for a driver exposed to use.

[Ron G.]

Re: Chassis paint

Tom,

There are several choices. that were mentioned. However, you did not make mention what year you are working on. Just an FYI, if it is a 1963 thru 1968 the original coating was an asphalt paint with a semi-gloss finish. A.O. Smith used this paint from sometime in the fifties and in March of 1968 they stopped purchasing the aforementioned finish and then they started buying and using a paint called Dupont 640 black primer. The difference was that the latter was more of an enamel and it was more durable and possessed a harder smooth semi-gloss finish. Since both paints are no longer available, a good choice would be the John Deere product. The original method of application was called the "Float Coat System". This system consisted of two men at each end of the frame holding a 2" in diameter hose where the paint flowed out of the ends of the hoses. The asphalt paint was thinner, and the end result was that there was more evidence of runs and drips as opposed to the Dupont 640 black primer which was thicker. and did not produce as many runs and drips. The bottom was painted first and then the top was painted.

[Mark M.]

Re: Chassis paint

We use rustoleum satin black. It can be thinned a number of ways to spray and is easy to touch up. Good protection and doesn't fracture under fasteners and it's cheap. These oil based paints look like a neat version of the cheap asphalt original paint they used and sprayed heavily that was dripping off the frames. You can spray it without getting any drips. I'd like to check out "Old 55" you mentioned Mark. Fleet materials are often good quality at reasonable prices.

[Tom L.]

Re: Chassis paint

Thanks for all the input. Kind of cheating here Ron. It's a 1954 Chevy 3/4 ton stakebed truck so those details are not important.

Any input on primers?

Thanks!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Chassis paint

I've used Rustoleum "rusty metal primer" followed by semigloss black - with a brush. You can thin it a bit to even it out, and there are minimal brush marks. Or, use a foam brush for the final coat.

The color is actually very good, and Rustoleum is available everywhere.

[Mike E.]

Re: Chassis paint

One of my softball teammates was CEO of Rustoleum. I am loyal to their products because he provides financial support to our team.

[Mark S.]

Re: Chassis paint

Mike: Well, that's a great incentive to use that product!

[Scott R.]

Re: Chassis paint

Hi Ron, I am finishing up my 1968 dec. 16 1967 L-71,M21, FB 4:11 build frame, I had the frame dipped here in Fl. and it came out well. I then coated the inside with eastwood interior frame paint, which worked great. I then used Eastwoods primer and satin finish top coat. the frame looks great, but I don't know what it is supposed to look llike. Does anyone have a photo or a method to gauge how dull or shiny the finish is suppose to be, and help is appreciated, Scott

[Tom M.]

Re: Chassis paint

Tom,
How are you planning to prep the chassis? Sandblast or wirewheel, scrape, sand, powerwash?
If blasting, don’t hesitate to apply an epoxy primer. Then, topcoat with the paint of your choice.
If you are doing more of a driveway prep sanding and powerwashing then I’m with Ron on the Rustoleum recipe.