69 chassis and frame paint/prep

[Greg L.]

I'm getting ready to blast my frame and I have a few questions.

The first one is what would be a good rust preventing primer to use on it after I bring it back home? I want to spray it with something so that it doesn't rust while I'm doing some repairs like the #3 body mount nut plate and the common dented front crossmember. I also want to go with a black primer so that in the future a stone chip won't show up as a ugly grey or red oxide speck.

Second, what would you guys recommend for the frame paint? I would obviously like it to be something durable but not a two part paint either and it must be the correct sheen. Has anyone used the Eastwood chassis paint with good results? I hear that it is tougher that the GM paint(which I think is discontinued now anyways)...but does it have the correct gloss to it? Was the ashpalt paint still used in 69?

Last, what would you all recommend for the painted suspension parts, control arms, trailing arms, etc?

Thanks guys, any thoughts and recommendations in this next stage of my restoration are appreciated!

[Chuck S.]

Re: 69 chassis and frame paint/prep

Greg, I can recommend an excellent primer for your frame, but its a "good news/bad news" situation. Good News: PPG DP90LF black epoxy primer is an excellent rust preventing primer. Bad News: If not top coated within a day or so, DP90LF will have to be scuffed again before applying a finish coat.

There is no "silver bullet" for black chassis paint for those components if you want an accurate restoration...there is too much variety in gloss levels. You can not buy the right stuff for all those parts in a spray can. Anyone that tells you that probably has not looked at the parts close enough or is not discriminating enough. You have to KNOW the proper gloss level (original samples) and flatten gloss black paint to get the right gloss level...it's an inexact, tedious PITA process. On the other hand, you probably could use semi-gloss black paint from Home Depot on all of them, and only exacting, discriminating restorers will know the difference. It depends on how accurate you want your restoration.

BTW, the GM black "chassis restoration paint" or black primer was not used on C3 frames or on control arms. Gloss level on C3 frames is similar to that obtained with the GM black primer, and the control arms are slightly more glossy. Others may have more info, but I believe the asphalt paint ended with the C2s; I'm not sure about 68s, but relatively sure for 69, positively certain for 70 and later.

[Greg L.]

Re: 69 chassis and frame paint/prep

Thanks for your help Chuck. I guess it's a tougher question than I realized! I normaly am not too concerned about having my cars judged but I've really gotten into this hole NCRS restoration standard so I decided to restore everything that I touch back to the way it was and not just spray the chassis parts all black and call it good. I thought that getting the paints and throwing it on would be the easy part of the restoration but boy was I wrong! I do have some areas with original paint on my frame so I'll use them as my reference I was just hoping that there was a specific paint that was a "standard" that all the judges accepted.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 69 chassis and frame paint/prep

"I was just hoping that there was a specific paint that was a "standard" that all the judges accepted."

There is a standard that all the judges accept...Paint that looks just like it did when it left the factory.

A good judge will not let such details slide, but there is only a few points for some of these areas. Also, there is limited space and time for judges to write down all the details. Ironically, a car that is already beaten up pretty well, and has much more serious deficiencies, will receive less attention for incorrect gloss levels than a very nice car that has few deductions.

I think there is a good unwritten policy among most NCRS judges...In the interest of keeping the process fun for everybody, do not utterly humiliate the owner.

[Dick W.]

Re: 69 chassis and frame paint/prep

I have found that using Deltron 9300 over the DP-90 makes a very durable finish. Purchase PPG flattener with the paint, add to make an eggshell gloss (instructions on the can). Pretty close but won't wash off and properly done very chip resistant.