Lagondaforum

Subject: chassis painting

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Just picked up my 16/80 frame from the sandblasters. There is a little bit of welding to be done (hole filling, etc) but I'm running into different opinions on painting. I'd appreciate input on:
1. powder coat or paint?
2. For either powder coat or paint, do you remove it between mating metal surfaces when you bolt on a part?
3. There is some rust pitting but I don't intend to fill them in - it seems to me that the paint would be more durable if it goes right on the metal instead of on filler. Am I wrong? I'm not doing a concours restoration.

One more thing - there are several places where holes are tapped in the top flanges to attach things like the floor, mounting plate for the bonnet latches, etc. Most of these are stripped or nearly so. Any tips on repairing these?
Alec

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Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Prepare then powder coat.

Its so satisfying and you have gone to the bother of stripping down so go for it. You wont regret it.

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Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Personally I hate the look of powder coating . Just paint it, drive it, have fun and let it acquire patina. It will outlast you. Then again if you want to "hob nob" with the Pebble Beach crowd powder coat everything!

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Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Hi Folks,

Here are my thoughts. I don't think powder coating is the right thing for large bits. Small bits are fine, but for the chassis, I suggest you use a good quality industrial paint such as "Dacrylate." It is specifically formulated for painting machinery and is very durable. On no account use "Hammerite!"

I like to powder coat things like shock absorber arms and running board brackets.

IMHO, the effort in re-threading tapped holes in the chassis is well spent. I suggest drilling out the holes and using hank bushes which can be peened over and give a decent depth of thread. You can always use metric ones and re-tap them 5/16th BSF.

Enjoy building up your chassis.

Colin M34

Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Hi Colin,
I bought a tin of black Hammerite for painting parts, only to leave it behind when we moved to France. So I got a friend visiting the UK to buy another tin for me.

So...what's the problem with this product?

Laurence

Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Hi Laurence,

Hammerite is brittle. Chips easily.

David

Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Thanks David, wish I'd known before, but at least plenty of non-car items I can use it on here.

Laurence

Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Hi Laurence,

Have a look at the Frost website. They do various chassis paints. http://www.frost.co.uk
Do follow the instruction otherwise things can go wrong. They have instructions for most of the products in pdf format.

David

Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Tried a few options over the years with mixed results but always pleased with powder coating.

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Subject: Re: chassis painting

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Thanks for all the feedback. Maybe I'll flip a coin... I'm leaning towards powder coating, just because the frame is completely stripped down (perfect opportunity) and I hear it's a bit more durable.

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