Judging mid year frame finish

[Joe R.]

I just got my 66 roadster frame back from the powder coated and I can still see some of the dimpling from the surface rust. Finish looks great and the right gloss but was thinking the powder coating would smooth the frame more. What is the judging policy on visible pitting? The guide just says evidence of rust. Thanks - joe

[Paul J.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Any pitting that is visible under the coating might recieve a deduction for condition, although I'm not sure how much (a picture would help). I would think that you should be more concerned about the appearance of the powder coating with respect to the thickness of it not being "typical factory production".

Paul

[Gene M.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Joe,
If the judge has any knowledge of the appearance differences between powder coated and painted it would be at least a 20% deduction on the frame for finish not as typical factory production. The pitting would be a condition deduction depending on the magnitude of the pitting.

I prefer paint to look as factory on my restorations.

[Steven C.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Joe,
If the judge has any knowledge of the appearance differences between powder coated and painted it would be at least a 20% deduction on the frame for finish not as typical factory production. The pitting would be a condition deduction depending on the magnitude of the pitting.

I prefer paint to look as factory on my restorations.

Gene, I agree. Powder coating is a distinctly different finish. Some may look at date also, since I do not believe it was available in 66, which in that case it could be a 40% deduct.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Joe,
You will get a deduction but the good news is that you won't have to worry about rust again and the way it will look for the next 100 years.
you will also be able to get your frame wet and know that the finish is hard to chip or scratch.
My frame was rust free and I powder coated it so I wouldn't have to worry about it any more.

I respect the guys that did it the way that the factory did them but I didn't like what I saw on my new 65 SS a few years after I bought it.
I think in your case you made a perfect decision.
I know some guys that use powder coating as a primer and sand & paint it also.

DOM

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

If you are willing to accept the appearance difference between factory finish and powder coat I would urge you to go all the way and have your frame hot-dip galvanized. That has the advantage of coating the interior of the boxed sections with zinc, and is far superior to powder coating. Special latex paint will cover the galvanizing to give the "appearance" -- more or less -- of the original finish. With this finish your frame will last longer than you or your children or their children.

[Joe R.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Thanks for the input, the finish is semi gloss and looks similar to painted parts and was not applied very thick so I think I am ok there, just thought it would hide some of the pitting better. I liked the durability of the powder coat so will just have to live with the judging I guess. Thanks again for the advice! Joe

[John H.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

If you are willing to accept the appearance difference between factory finish and powder coat I would urge you to go all the way and have your frame hot-dip galvanized. That has the advantage of coating the interior of the boxed sections with zinc, and is far superior to powder coating. Special latex paint will cover the galvanizing to give the "appearance" -- more or less -- of the original finish. With this finish your frame will last longer than you or your children or their children.

Terry -

Photo below of a hot-dip galvanized frame.

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

John you are just amazing! I only had a Chevelle frame to post, and I didn't think that appropriate.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Terry& John,
I have to admit that looks like the way to go especially if you want to drive it or just stop the rust in it's tracks.

DOM

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

It looks a whole lot better with the black latex paint on it. I tend to think the hot dip will fill all those pits too. I doubt it would fool NCRS judges, but for a driver or other shows I think it is the way to go.

[Brett H.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

I've never painted a frame. Always powder coated. Never received a deduction......so far.

[Ronald L.]

Re: Judging mid year frame finish

Before there was powder coat there was imron. I also Ziebarted the inside box sections though in the last 10 years, zinc and mag have come a long way. You can lightly repaint it with the correct paint gloss so it looks more original.