frame wrapping

[Chuck R.]

I'm almost at the point of final cleaning of the frame and driveline prior to dropping the body back on.

I'm thinking wraping the components with layers of Saran Wrap to guard against paint stipper and body work but am concernd with trapping moisture up against my dressed up components.

The problen is that the bulk of the body work will probably take place during the winter months in a heated then un-heated garage environment.

Am I asking for trouble due to the extreem temperature swings to the car in heating the garage and then shutting everything down to cold soak?

Of course the other side is the extreem humidity of the summer months too I guess.

Just curious if others have already been there and done that.

Thanks,

Chuck

[Mike Geary]

Re: frame wrapping

Chuck: I would be wary of wrapping any recently painted surfaces in plastic without first wrapping them in newspaper. Permanent blemishes can result.

To deal with condensation, pick yourself up some silica-gel dessicant packs at a camping supply store.

Mike

[Chuck S.]

Re: frame wrapping

Chuck, I definitely wouldn't strip the body on the chassis if it were me...there is too much risk of ruining your restored chassis.

Also, cold temperatures will knock the effectiveness of the paint stripper in the dirt, so it would be better to strip the body on the dolly this summer if possible. Strip the paint to the red primer, flush/scrub the stripper off well with cold water, wipe any remaining stripper residue off with lacquer thinner, then wet sand the red primer off to the bare fiberglass with about 240 grit paper.

My reasoning says that wrapping the chassis and painting the body on the chassis is best, but I have heard it done successfully both ways...dropping the painted body on the restored chassis is still an option if your chassis paint hasn't fully cured. You just have to be extra careful to protect the freshly painted body from scuffs or scratches.

[John M.]

Re: frame wrapping

Chuck,
I have done cars both ways, and would never again strip and paint a body on the frame. The it is so much eaiser to strip and repaint the body on a dolly, and you don't ever have to worry about stripper or overspray damaging the chassis.

Regards, John McGraw

[Chuck R.]

Re: frame wrapping

Now I'm flashing back to when I stripped my 69 .......Yep stripping off the chassis makes the best sense.

I will however be looking to paint while on the chassis.

As the frame has been finish painted for over a year, all surfaces are rock solid with no risk of surface damage.

Looks like this topic is all wrapped up

Thanks for the great feedback.

Chuck