Powder coating

[Eoynteenie]

As it seems Rene C303 is now picked up pace in his rebuild, I am now looking at getting bits power coated for underneath.

Thinking all the bumper mounts, tow eyes, towbar and that weird piece between the spare wheel and fuel tank.

Anything else I should get done as well?

 

[Paul Narramore]

Personally I wouldn't consider having anything exposed to road grit and water spray powder coated. Powder coating is a tough decorative finish until such time it gets chipped by stones and stuff, then water gets beneath the coating and rust spreads. I've had motorcycle frames powder coated but the centrestand lies very close to the back tyre and after eighteen months, the powder coating pealed off in large flakes. Read up about POR15. It's like iron!

(Later) One more thing about POR15. I ordered mine from Frost's and it arrived in tiny tins. The paint goes on well and dries like black glass, but no matter how well the lid is replaced on the tin, it will set solidly even though you think it's airtight. It must be a chemical reaction or summat. Damned good stuff but treat each tiny tin as disposable. Then throw the brush away and get another.

 

[JonathanT]

Personally I wouldn't consider having anything exposed to road grit and water spray powder coated. Powder coating is a tough decorative finish until such time it gets chipped by stones and stuff, then water gets beneath the coating and rust spreads. I've had motorcycle frames powder coated but the centrestand lies very close to the back tyre and after eighteen months, the powder coating pealed off in large flakes. Read up about POR15. It's like iron!

Eoynteenie
I have to agree with Paul. I powder coated several parts. I thought powder coating was like the end of all finishes. Bullet proof. It's not. It can chip easily then allow water beneath so it rusts from behind then comes off on big flakes. It's great on wheels and on some of the bling bits in the engine bay eg crossmember, air filter, battery tray rocker box etc. A good quality chassis paint applied with a roller as Paul's (Mr Reno) method will work a treat. The paint will take a knock or two and survive. The finish you can obtain by this method can be quite remarkable too. See Paul's thread on his chassis repair.
And mine on the exhaust pipe repair

 

[Eoynteenie]

Hmmm, food for thought really.
Had a set of crash bars done and they have flaked bar after a few years but put thst down to being a back hander job not on the books.

Gotta get the seat frame done as well now