C3 frame primer

[Michael L.]

I am getting ready to prime my frame. I was planning on using a self etching primer, but my local paint shop only had gray. There was a previous resto attempt on the car and they used gray primer and I noticed that when the frame paint chipped the gray primer made the chips very noticeable. I picked up a black 2K Epoxy primer/sealer from the paint shop because they said it was as good as the self etching for bare metal. Can anyone give any advice on frame primer?

Mike

[Patrick H.]

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 frame primer

I am getting ready to prime my frame. I was planning on using a self etching primer, but my local paint shop only had gray. There was a previous resto attempt on the car and they used gray primer and I noticed that when the frame paint chipped the gray primer made the chips very noticeable. I picked up a black 2K Epoxy primer/sealer from the paint shop because they said it was as good as the self etching for bare metal. Can anyone give any advice on frame primer?

Mike

Mike-----


If I were going to use an undercoat primer on the frame, I would ONLY use a BLACK variety for EXACTLY the reason you stated. I have seen what you described on several occasions.

[Charles B.]

Re: C3 frame primer

As of today, 5/29/2008, according to Du Pont tech dept the 2690S is no longer available and there is no identifiable replacement.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 frame primer

I am getting ready to prime my frame. I was planning on using a self etching primer, but my local paint shop only had gray. There was a previous resto attempt on the car and they used gray primer and I noticed that when the frame paint chipped the gray primer made the chips very noticeable. I picked up a black 2K Epoxy primer/sealer from the paint shop because they said it was as good as the self etching for bare metal. Can anyone give any advice on frame primer?...

I wouldn't use etching primer on anything based on my bud's experience...he told me he couldn't get followup coats to stick. Maybe he didn't follow the product sheet, but that was his story.

Anyway, epoxy primer is at least as good as etching primer IMO. It is excellent applied to clean bare steel. I would use PPG DP90LF black epoxy primer, and topcoat with PPG DAR/Delstar acrylic enamel flattened to the correct gloss. You'll want to stay with the same manufacturer's products...if you want to use DuPont Centari, I'm unfamiliar with DuPont' epoxy primer except that they also have a good epoxy primer, or did.

Nason is their value line and they also have a good epoxy primer...confirm with DuPont tech services for compatibility with Centari.

[Charles B.]

Re: C3 frame primer

Just an FYI. I just purchased the primer and topcoat. Total cost is just over $500.00 including reducer and other requirements to get the job completed. Obviously, no labor included.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 frame primer

Just an FYI. I just purchased the primer and topcoat. Total cost is just over $500.00 including reducer and other requirements to get the job completed. Obviously, no labor included.

What brand/products did you choose?

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 frame primer

Chuckster the DP is a self etching primer. Although I use it I still wash the metal with an etching wash. Just a little extra insurance.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 frame primer

Chuckster the DP is a self etching primer. Although I use it I still wash the metal with an etching wash. Just a little extra insurance.

Really...I thought you let slip once that you had tested epoxy primer on glass with no prep whatsoever, and it became an integral part of the glass after curing. HaHaHa...

Mmmm...Seriously, Dickie, I don't think DP is a true etching primer; it just sticks better than any etching primer. I'm not sure how an "etching" primer works, but the implication is there is some acidic chemicals in the primer that are phyically eating the substrate metal and creating "tooth", maybe at the microscopic level.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 frame primer

It does stick to glass Chuckster. Self etching is mechanical bonding via a chemical reaction. And I have told you all that I know about chemistry I'm no ME, EE, CE, FPE, EIT, or anything else to do with engineering.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 frame primer

It does stick to glass Chuckster. Self etching is mechanical bonding via a chemical reaction. And I have told you all that I know about chemistry I'm no ME, EE, CE, FPE, EIT, or anything else to do with engineering.

If PhD means "piled high and deep", I'm one of those.

Maybe I'll do a little more research on that (I should probably record Tech Services' response. )...and then bet you a dinner.

[Dick W.]

Re: C3 frame primer

I do have a BS, MS, and PhD though Chuckster

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 frame primer

I do have a BS, MS, and PhD though Chuckster

"Doctor" Whittington, I presume?...HaHaHa

[Richard T.]

Re: C3 frame primer

Corvette frames, made between 1963-1982 were made for GM by A.O. Smith Co. All frames were dipped in black paint, no under seal or primer was used by A.O. Smith Co. You can tell by looking at an untoched frame, all you will see is bare metal, with no primer traces. Chassis black by Eastwood Co. is a close match. Some guys have their frames powder coated semi gloss black. Most all of the early paint formulas are banned by the EPA today and not available to the restorer.

[Chuck S.]

Re: C3 frame primer

Corvette frames, made between 1963-1982 were made for GM by A.O. Smith Co. All frames were dipped in black paint, no under seal or primer was used by A.O. Smith Co. You can tell by looking at an untoched frame, all you will see is bare metal, with no primer traces. Chassis black by Eastwood Co. is a close match. Some guys have their frames powder coated semi gloss black. Most all of the early paint formulas are banned by the EPA today and not available to the restorer.

Primer was not used when the frames were manufactured, but that doesn't mean that you can't use primer. Primer will enhance the corrosion resistance of the frame, particularly if care is taken to coat as much of the frame interior as possible.

If primer is used, it's best not to build too many coats of paint...you begin to change the appearance of weld beads, splatter, etc. such that the frame finish no longer appears authentic. That's what judging is all about...finding the areas that don't appear authentic.

Early A. O Smith frames may have been dipped, but C3 frames were not dipped...they were "hosed" over a grated pit.