Chumpzilla

Getting back most of my big suspension pieces from the sandblaster today and will be painting soon. My question is, what type of paint should I use on these pieces (A-arms, trailing arms, springs (front coils and rear), etc.) Is rattle can paint sufficient or should I go with something more durable... and if so, what? Thanks!

stpman

I plan on spraying mine with PPG DP90 epoxy primer and topcoating with frame black

Steve :steering:


[Modified by stpman, 11:38 AM 5/12/2004]

Stewart's74

I used POR-15 then coated with SEM chassis black.

NHvette

My thoughts are if you've gone this far ... go all the way.
Treat the bare metal with a Phosphoric acid treatment (Metal Ready, Naval Jelly, etc).
Base coat of POR-15 over the treated metal ... then topcoat with your choice
of finish. I use Krylon semi-flat black.

Here's a step by step of my A-arm finishing:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=611988

:seeya

GATOR454

:iagree:

I used Rustoleum Satin as a top coat on the por-15 for added insurance.


[Modified by GATOR454, 12:14 PM 5/12/2004]

Twin_Turbo

have them powdercoated, it's about the best finish you can get:

LemansBlue68

:iagree:

Powdercoat them. You can have them done in a more satin black than TT's if you want to get closer to the original chassis black (allthough that shiny black look is pretty sharp!).

:thumbs:

Chumpzilla

Thanks for the replies all. I'd like to powdercoat, but I don't wanna spend that kind of money. In fact, I'm not thrilled about the prospect of spending a hundred bucks for a gallon of POR-15 either, but looks like that may be the best way to go.

Twin_Turbo

if it costs an arm and a leg to have them coated, go to another shop. It's not that expensive, don't be fooled by the expensive technology hype some people try to make powdercoating look. In fact, it's as easy, if not easier than painting.

GATOR454

A little Por-15 goes a long way. I painted my whole frame and suspension with a quart. A pint would probably cover all your suspension parts.

http://prp-porshop.com/index.html

If you decide that you need a quart then get the pint 6 pack for $4 more. Por-15 has the tendancy to cure in the can once opened.

Chumpzilla

Thanks, that's a good deal.

Any thoughts from anyone on expoxy primers/coatings?

norvalwilhelm

I'm with Twin Turbo. I like powder coating. If I couldn't get them powder coated I would not cut corners and go with cheap spray bombs. I would buy good paint and brush is no alternative. You hopefully will do this once so why not do the best job possible.

spikezz4

I'm for powder coating. There are lots of places that can do it in practically any color you choose. It will last much longer and look better than paint, for not too much more money. Would you rather see scratches when you wash it, or just hose it off and look good?
Spike

LemansBlue68

You may find powder coating cheaper than you think. Especially for a basic black or semi-gloss black.

If you decide you need a gallon of POR, make sure you buy it as quart cans. Once you open a can, it does not last long before curing. When it comes in contact with humidity that's the catalyst that sets of the curing reaction. Pour what you need into another container to use to apply it. Don't brush directly from the can. You don't want the original can to be open to air any longer than possible. I've had good luck with the silver and gloss black POR but the semi-gloss cured blotchy. Larger parts painted with it varied from very shiny to flat.

Chumpzilla

I guess my next question is if I go with POR-15, can I use it on the springs (both coil and leaf) or will it crack the second I put any load on those springs and they compress?

Bill Oxley

My experience with POR 15 is good, but not necessarily with a sandblasted surface. It's designed for something different.

Powder coating is probably the best, but somewhat pricy for underside parts.

The suggestion on the ppg epoxy primer and topcoat, IMHO, is the best, but that is also pricy primer/paint for suspension parts.

I just did this, and have done it many times with past resto projects: sandblasted, good soap and water wash, compressor air dry, not PPG, but good quality can primer, and a good quality can semi gloss black.

Won't last as long as PPG or powder coating, but, with the well prepared surface and primer, will last a long time.

On frame or other parts that have been well cleaned, wire brushed, or etc, but not "etched" like the sandblasting does, I've been pleased with the POR15 or Eastwood products. I like the "matte" finish of the Eastwood product the best.

Jughead

I definetly wouldn't buy a gallon. Use the metal ready prior to the paint. A little goes a long way. I top coated with Krylon semi-gloss.

Thumper76

I just had my a-arms powdercoated black for $120.00. They look fantastic.

OHSIXX

I plan to use a few cans of brake cleaner on my undercarraige tomorrow. After that I will decide what else it needs. Will probably paint the spare tire carrier as well.

Unsure I far to go. :skep:


[Modified by OHSIXX, 7:00 PM 5/13/2004]