Frame Finishes: What are you using and why?

[Dieselwrencher]

When I was in college I worked in a body shop. We painted many bare frames and complete chassis and we usually had them sand blasted. Then spray with a wash primer, then a acid based metal etching primer and then shoot it with sikkens chassis black. I know guys still driving their cars we did and they still look awesome. on my brother's 84 K20 we were budget limited so we cleaned it with corps discs, pressure washer, and wire wheels. Then I promed and painted it. He baught martin senyor paint as he worked at Napa. It looks good but next time I will have it powder coated. A place near me quoted me $300 with a 4 color choice to do a complete frame. So $100 to blast it and $300 to coat it and a $400 total. If I figuired our time plus his materials we have way more in itthan having it powder coated. Here is a picture of it after paint.


On a car or truck I am not going to restore it but want to keep driving it I like to use POR-15 on them. Or like mentioned above a quick krylon over haul always helps the apperarance.

[tgh117]

I wire brushed mine and coated with Por-15. Was very happy with how it came out. I am going to do the underside of the cab, the underside of the bed, the inner fenders, and a whole bunch of other parts since I am so pleased with it.

Here is a pic, not finished in this pic, but well on the way. 2 coats Pro-15, no top coat on in this pic, but its on now and looks even better.

[Old Chevy Mech]

POR-15 for me. Has anyone had their powder coat oxidize from the sunlight? My front & rear bumpers have oxidized over the last 8 years.
Funnything about POR-15 and powdercoating is they both etch with phosphate prior to applying the coating, must me something to it!!

Frank

[72BlckButy]

bump... ttt....

[chrislehr]

Im pretty sure my truck has a frame. I wonder if I will ever see it bare. Not until I have a house and a garage, I think.

[jlaird]

I powder coated mine. Based on the time and effort it would of taken to properly prep the frame for paint (doing it myself without a sandblaster), powder is a no brainer.

[72BlckButy]

Great looking frame jlaird! Is that satin black?

[jlaird]

Originally Posted by 72BlckButy

Great looking frame jlaird! Is that satin black?

its a 70% gloss. Thats how my powder coater named it.

[62 short step]

I cleaned the frame and used Rustoleum hammered black. I bought the quart size and brushed it on. Yes its cheap, but it has held up excellent.

[Chevyman680063]

I'll probably just use some Rustoleum primer and black paint.

[scotts62]

I would love to have mine powder coated but well see what happens when i get frame done....
I may try that new stuff from eastwoods the 2k ceramic chassis black but not sure yet..
Has anyone tried the stuff yet??

[83burban]

Powder Coated mine...all chassis and suspension ran me 550. More expensive but far more durable than the por15 that i used on my jeep build. Cant upload pics right now but the finish was beautiful, smooth, shiny, and I wont have to worry about it ever again. Fora truck that I plan to daily drive and take to the occasional show...it was well worth the investment

[smashingchuck]

Mine is sprayed on Eastwood Extreme Chassis black satin. It has a considerable amount of gloss. I first had the frame completely sand blasted, then painted it with etching primer, then with Eastwood primer, then two coats of the paint.

[72BlckButy]

Great looking frame smashingchuck!

[Old Chevy Mech]

Not a 100% firm believer in powder coat being super durable. Both my bumpers are powder coated and both have areas of rust blistering through near edges, and welds 8 years after being in service. All surfaces were sandblasted clean, so I have my doubts.
I still say I'd wish they'd make a stainless steel frame & body work. I know I'd be happy! LOL

[blink32]

Another Sand Blast then Por 15 here. No top coat. I may or may not put one on later. So far the Por is definitely stronger than paint but even following the prep guide lines and using all Por brand products (was given the entire setup from marine clean to chassis coat for free from a buddy brand new) I have been able to scrape off portions of it. Although they were under extreme duress I would say. Only time will tell.

The pictures might look funky because I had to do my frame in 2 sections although in hindsight I should have just stripped it and done it all at once.

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by scotts62

I would love to have mine powder coated but well see what happens when i get frame done....
I may try that new stuff from eastwoods the 2k ceramic chassis black but not sure yet..
Has anyone tried the stuff yet??

lets bring this interesting thread backup, the 2k ceramic is what I bought for miine is there any experiences with it now? It is suppose to be tough as nails

[redbaron69]

just my .02 cents worth... if you use por get the metal ready they sell. makes a big difference. my personal preferance is black epoxy primer then clear coat( if you like the shiny look) the epoxy sells for about 30 bucks a quart takes about 2 quarts and just get some cheap clear (omni is what i use). never done powdercoat so i cant say??? but sandblasting is a must no matter what you do good luck

[BCOWANWHEELS]

Personally i like sandblasting it then dupont epoxy primer then a couple good coats of dupont imron. Life time paint job and always looks wet. No chemicals effect it.

[Daves72'GMC]

When I had mine restored ,I believe the restorer used dupont gloss black and then clear coated it on the rotisserie.

[BCOWANWHEELS]

YES IF ITS GOOD enough for airplanes, semi trucks etc. its good enough for my truck. sure cost alot though but you get what you pay for.

[GR8-68]

Originally Posted by BCOWANWHEELS

Personally i like sandblasting it then dupont epoxy primer then a couple good coats of dupont imron. Life time paint job and always looks wet. No chemicals effect it.

Any pics of that frame?