The Great Frame Debate

[John O.]

Hey Everyone:

I just went over to Indy and picked up my 65 frame from Redi-strip and am now debating on how to finish it out. I want to have this car flight judged and know that I should prime it and use the correct GM 104/105 paint or the now current Quanta paint BUT I saw a powder coat sample that looks really good as far as the gloss level. I'm wondering what the point deduct would be for powder coating the frame and if I should even consider this. I would love input from everyone who's encountered this delimma to help me make my decision. By the way, Boyd and all the guys at Redi-Strip in Indy were great to work with and did a fantastic job on the frame if anyone is curious as to the end result. I would recommend them.

Thank you,
John

[Rob A.]

Re: The Great Frame Debate

John,

Most judges find it easy to detect powdercoating due to it's buildup on edges. There was no primer used originally from the factory, and with the frame prepared by Redi-strip you won't need any for proper adhesion. One problem with powder coating is that if and when it does chip or peel off for any reason, it usually does so in large pieces, and would be more difficult to touch up than regular paint. I don't think whatever advantages you might feel powdercoating the frame may have is worth whatever the point deduction might be. There are more choices of gloss levels available with regular paints as well. I had to decide which to use when I did my frame off, and decided you can't go wrong duplicating the factory method of painting the frame, especially if having the car judged is your concern.

[Marc R.]

Re: The Great Frame Debate

My experience with powder coating is not with a frame. However, I will attest that it will peel in sheets. I would not do it.

[Joe S.]

Re: The Great Frame Debate

My .02

I used a epoxy primer followed by a good epoxy paint to give it a good hard foundation. I then painted over that with a shot of semi-gloss to make it look "correct". I had no issues with bolts holes (as sometimes happens with powder coating) and it has yet to scratch.

One other note if you haven't already been told or done so. You should take a torch to all the joints and frame rails on your frame to burn-out the remaining chemical. Every redi-strip shop I have spoken with in the past always has recommended the same thing. The chekical gets down in the joints in the frame and when you least expect it, or want it, it can run out and ruin your paint job or powder coating.

Joe..

[Bill W.]

Re: The Great Frame Debate

I use Dupont self etching primer (vari prime) & imron with flatner. wont chip,scatch or peel.& brake fluid wont hurt it. Dont use powder coat.Bill

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: The Great Frame Debate

you frame is what 40 years old? it lasted this long with paint? just put it back as close as you can to the way it came. MTCW.

[Jack J.]

Re: The Great Frame Debate

While we're on the subject of powder coating, I just finished the removal, disassembly and glass beading of the driver's side suspension on my 64. Is there any advantage of p.c.ing these components:upper and lower control arms and brackets, steering knuckle,spring and brake drum backing plate? Thanks in advance.