Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

[Brandon T.]

Not sure if it would be a bad idea to powdercoat it since thats not original what are most of you guys doing? If I don't powdercoat it what product looks the most original while lasting a long time? My plans thus far is to take it to be acid dipped and to use some sort of pull through sprayer like from eastwood to coat the inside so it doesn't rust from the inside out but again on the exterior not sure whats the best option.

I'm also open to suggestions on the color combo I'm really struggling with this! At the end of the day it's my call but I would like to hear your suggestions on it.

the car is a 58 245hp 4sp car the original color combo is regal tourquoise with dark charcoal interior white coves and white top (I like it but not sure if I want to go back with it)

So far I plan to go back with the original regal, or go red/red, or black/slilver coves/red. As of right now I'm leaning towards black/silver/red and btw I had already bought several dark charcoal items so if I end up doing the black/silver/red if anyone has red items and they want to go charcoal maybe we could swap interiors.

thanks for any advice because until I can figure out what route I want to go I'm not doing a thing to it I don't want to regret my choice!

[Michael M.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

Hi Brandon, I`ll probably get crucified for saying this but we don`t have an acid dip anywhere near where I live so I sandblasted it, made my repairs, got a pressure sprayer and drownded the inside with POR 15 sanded and primed the outside three times and shot with Awlgrip high gloss polyurethane. that was 7 to 8 years ago. It hasn`t been out of the shop as I am still not finished with it but it looks about as good as the day I did it. I live right on the coast of North Carolina and to do any less would have not protected it. It won`t be judged anyway. Just my personal preference. Thanks and Good Luck, Mike

[Brandon T.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

That looks great! I have a lot of people tell me to powder coat it just didn't want that to hurt the value.

[Paul J.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

I assume that you're not going to have this car judged. You will take point hits for a powder coated frame. As I've said before, powder coat is a tremendously durable finish, but it does chip and there is no way to repair those chips other than with paint which is why you should paint the frame to start with. Then you'll always have a consistent finish.

Powder coating the frame will affect the value, but I can't say how much. My guess is not a great deal unless the buyer wants to show the car. Changing the color of the car will also affect the value.

I was going to post some links to powder coating from the archives, but there are just too many of them that are relevent to your question. You may want to check the archives out.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

I did the powder coat on my 57 chevy and 67 coup for a few reasons,

1- I wanted it the finish to last
2- They coated the inside as far as I can reach by hand
3- The price was cheaper than the blasting, paint, and labor it would take.(550.00). I think every piece from the small brackets to the trailing arm, ( a whole pallet of parts was only a few hundred more.

I do a lot of blasting and painting but can't compete with the uniform and complete coverage that you get with powder coat.

There are different quality coatings as I found out when I had my boat trailor coated. It did chip easier and I can see the difference in texture.

I also worried about repairs to powder coating as was mentioned in this post. I was relieved to find out that some shops use it as a primer and sand it smooth before painting directly over it.

Some do spot coating now with heat lamps.

I have to admit I felt like I was taking the lazy way out but there is NO way to do as good a job as a coating that is electronically drawn to every part of the surfaces.

The guys that blasted their frames and painted them can tell you how much work and tallent it takes to get it right.

I was able to press all bushings and assembled every thing without a chip.

I also had to remove the powder coating in one area to remove a tag that was not factory and I found it easy to match paint.

To each his own but I already did 2 of my frames and am looking forward to doing the 3rd frame (my 63).

DOM

[Adam S.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

My two cents......I was told if you go with powder coat make sure your metal is smooth , if you don't everthing is amplified with this coating. I also heard if you use new metal it is a great choice, if your frame has lots of pitting which will require thick filler, powder coat may chip more easily than painted surface.That was what was explained to me years ago at a professional paint shop, maby PC has improved sence then? I used GM restoration paint,no mixing right out the can, looks great & when you are finished with all the attachments to frame you can't help some scratching & chipping at the bolt down points, so sence there is no mixing with a small touch up brush you just dip out the paint can & preform hidden touch ups. I must say , I do like the finish of PC on new aftermarket parts.

[John H.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

The "finish" deduction for a frame is all of TWO points.

[Bill M.]

Re: Not sure what route to go with the frame on my 58, open to suggestions

I'm also open to suggestions on the color combo I'm really struggling with this! At the end of the day it's my call but I would like to hear your suggestions on it.

the car is a 58 245hp 4sp car the original color combo is regal tourquoise with dark charcoal interior white coves and white top (I like it but not sure if I want to go back with it)

When I attended the 2008 NCRS Regional, there was a regal turquoise '58(?) there. The color is stunning. I thought it was the star of the whole show.