Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Gene · 06-01-2010, 11:51 AM

How do I go about getting bare metal on a powdercoated frame without causing damage to the finish? Do I just grind enough off in the spots where the strap will be located? Or am I missing something?

71tahoe · 06-01-2010, 12:12 PM

If it is a through bolt fastened by a nut then you will have to find bare metal. I might get flamed for this but if it is a screw that cuts threads into the metal there is no need to expose the frame surface. The threads will make solid contact with the frame and the back of the screw head will make the contact with the strap.

Gene · 06-01-2010, 06:05 PM

I have no bare metal, the entire frame was powdercoated. I was just wondering if I grind a small spot under the strap would that somehow damage the powdercoating?

**passthebuck** · 06-01-2010, 06:18 PM

A better way Gene might be to run a tap through the hole you are going to use to bolt the ground strap the frame. As long as it is bare metal under the bolt head, the current should be able to flow through the bolt & into the frame via the tapped bare threads. If you're concerned with corrosion, a dab of grease or antiseize should keep that at bay.

Gene · 06-01-2010, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by passthebuck

A better way Gene might be to run a tap through the hole you are going to use to bolt the ground strap the frame. As long as it is bare metal under the bolt head, the current should be able to flow through the bolt & into the frame via the tapped bare threads. If you're concerned with corrosion, a dab of grease or antiseize should keep that at bay.

That sounds like a plan, I was going to use a bolt and nut but I don't see any problem with using just a bolt? Thanks!

suville · 06-01-2010, 06:29 PM

You might also consider a "star" or external tooth washer they are generally used just for electrical ground connections as it should bite into the PC or should I say through the PC and into base metal, aside from that I would thread a hole for a bolt to thread into and that should be sufficient for a ground and I would still use the external tooth washer under the ground strap tab.

68gmsee · 06-01-2010, 07:26 PM

Here's what I would do.

I would use one of the small grinding stones similar to the ones below and grind a small area around the hole like you mentioned. Then after the ground strap is bolted in, give it a shot with rustoleum or other rust preventative paint to seal it.

cparman · 06-01-2010, 08:29 PM

I agree, This is what I have done in the past.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Here's what I would do.

I would use one of the small grinding stones similar to the ones below and grind a small area around the hole like you mentioned. Then after the ground strap is bolted in, give it a shot with rustoleum or other rust preventative paint to seal it.

CTENTA1 · 06-02-2010, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cparman

I agree, This is what I have done in the past.

Plus the cable and or washer will cover the grinding. You wont be able to see it unless you take it off. This was what I did.

OldCreek · 06-02-2010, 12:45 PM

Do your grinding on the inside portion of the frame. The connection from the nut/bolt will ground on that side and you can keep the ground wire on the outside. The wire will ground through its connection to the bolt head.

C20-67_N_MO · 06-02-2010, 01:56 PM

I would do what the guys are saying above...PLUS once you insert your bolt thru the frame also get a good flat washer and sandwich your ground strap to that then tighten everything down. Then apply a little grease to seal it off.

Good luck.

aps kustums · 06-02-2010, 02:59 PM

I agree with the grinding on the bottom side of the frame. I rhino lined my frame and had to do the same

gkesseru · 06-02-2010, 03:54 PM

From my previous electrical engineering career: In electronic enclosures, ground straps MUST have a star washer in order to make good electrical contact.

**Tom Vogel** · 06-02-2010, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gkesseru

From my previous electrical engineering career: In electronic enclosures, ground straps MUST have a star washer in order to make good electrical contact.

OK... but do you think the star washer will really cut through powder coat? I dunno...

cdowns · 06-02-2010, 04:36 PM

i've never went out of my way to use star washers for at least 45years and have had no grounding issues// actually a star washer i doubt would put a good scratch in powdercoating much less establish a ground

Zoomin · 06-03-2010, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdowns

i've never went out of my way to use star washers for at least 45years and have had no grounding issues// actually a star washer i doubt would put a good scratch in powdercoating much less establish a ground

Oh, it will.

Zeke · 06-03-2010, 08:44 PM

Might try a piloted bonding brush, kinda pricey but will put a nice 1/2 round spot where you want to ground. type in bonding brush in the search block.

http://www.yardstore.com/

06-01-2010, 11:51 AM	#1
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? How do I go about getting bare metal on a powdercoated frame without causing damage to the finish? Do I just grind enough off in the spots where the strap will be located? Or am I missing something?

06-01-2010, 12:12 PM	#2
71tahoe Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Jonesboro, AR Posts: 916	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? If it is a through bolt fastened by a nut then you will have to find bare metal. I might get flamed for this but if it is a screw that cuts threads into the metal there is no need to expose the frame surface. The threads will make solid contact with the frame and the back of the screw head will make the contact with the strap.

06-01-2010, 06:05 PM	#3
Gene Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Muskogee, Oklahoma Posts: 2,914	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? I have no bare metal, the entire frame was powdercoated. I was just wondering if I grind a small spot under the strap would that somehow damage the powdercoating?

06-01-2010, 06:18 PM	#4
passthebuck Sisyphus was my mentor! Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Carleton Place, Ontario CANADA Posts: 984	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? A better way Gene might be to run a tap through the hole you are going to use to bolt the ground strap the frame. As long as it is bare metal under the bolt head, the current should be able to flow through the bolt & into the frame via the tapped bare threads. If you're concerned with corrosion, a dab of grease or antiseize should keep that at bay. __________________ passthebuck #5642 -TWO 1967 GMC 910's. One with L6/3-on-the tree and the other with 355 w/435hp & a 700r4. -a 2013 Honda Civic as my "sensible" car

06-01-2010, 06:29 PM	#6
suville Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Mtn. Home, Idaho Posts: 906	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? You might also consider a "star" or external tooth washer they are generally used just for electrical ground connections as it should bite into the PC or should I say through the PC and into base metal, aside from that I would thread a hole for a bolt to thread into and that should be sufficient for a ground and I would still use the external tooth washer under the ground strap tab.

06-01-2010, 07:26 PM	#7
68gmsee Active Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Centrally located between Houston, Austin and Waco. BCS area. Posts: 7,947	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? Here's what I would do. I would use one of the small grinding stones similar to the ones below and grind a small area around the hole like you mentioned. Then after the ground strap is bolted in, give it a shot with rustoleum or other rust preventative paint to seal it.

06-02-2010, 12:45 PM	#10
OldCreek Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Central Coast California Posts: 1,026	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? Do your grinding on the inside portion of the frame. The connection from the nut/bolt will ground on that side and you can keep the ground wire on the outside. The wire will ground through its connection to the bolt head. __________________ 1972 K20 Suburban 5.7/700r4/NP205 Dana 44/H052 Sold 1972 C10 5.3L/4L60E 12bolt 5Lug - Sold 1971 K5 Blazer 6.0L LQ9 4L60E NP205 Dana 44/H052!!! 1970 K3500 1ton CrewCab 8.1L/Allison1000/NP205 Dana 60/14B!!!! - Sold 1984 K10 SWB 7.4L/4L80e/NP208 Corp 10/12 bolt Sold 1988 V30 CCLB 7.4L/TH400/NP205/Dana 60/Dana 70/3.73!!! (Sold) 2003 K2500HD 8.1/Allison1000/NP263

06-02-2010, 01:56 PM	#11
C20-67_N_MO Champagne Taste on Beer Budget Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: High Ridge, Missouri Posts: 2,190	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? I would do what the guys are saying above...PLUS once you insert your bolt thru the frame also get a good flat washer and sandwich your ground strap to that then tighten everything down. Then apply a little grease to seal it off. Good luck. __________________ Coming Soon: Project 1970 Country Truck

06-02-2010, 02:59 PM	#12
aps kustums Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Clinton, Arkansas Posts: 4	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? I agree with the grinding on the bottom side of the frame. I rhino lined my frame and had to do the same

06-02-2010, 03:54 PM	#13
gkesseru Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: California, Maryland Posts: 544	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? From my previous electrical engineering career: In electronic enclosures, ground straps MUST have a star washer in order to make good electrical contact. __________________ 72 Fleet (died) 78 Step (sold) 55 Step named Fred (sold) 00 F150 68 Step (named El Scorcho by PO) Build thread for the new El Scorcho http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392932

06-02-2010, 04:36 PM	#15
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? i've never went out of my way to use star washers for at least 45years and have had no grounding issues// actually a star washer i doubt would put a good scratch in powdercoating much less establish a ground __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

06-03-2010, 08:44 PM	#17
Zeke Active Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: L.A. Lower Alabama Posts: 453	Re: Ground strap on a powdercoated frame? Might try a piloted bonding brush, kinda pricey but will put a nice 1/2 round spot where you want to ground. type in bonding brush in the search block. http://www.yardstore.com/ __________________ 1969 C10 350 3spd 1995 GMC 3500 XC 350 dually When Thomas Edison worked late into the night on the electric light, he had to do it by gas lamp or candle. I'm sure it made the work seem that much more urgent. George Carlin



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