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Since I know y’all love pictures, here’s my current progress.
I initially wasn’t going to have the car judged when I decided to restore it, but now I’m having second thoughts. I’m about to have the frame sandblasted and powder coated. Thumbing through the judging books, I noticed there’s a lot of parts that are either, black gloss, black semi gloss, flat black, unpainted or natural steel.
I stripped and painted a lot of the parts myself with a semi gloss black, but now I’m having second thoughts. Putting all of this work in, I might as well take a little bit extra time and color coordinate what everything is supposed to be. If I’m having the frame sandblasted and powder coated, I might as well drop off a bunch of other small parts and have those sandblasted as well. Even if I already painted them, might as well get everything to their perspective sheens/finishes
My question is: things that are supposed to be natural or unfinished, what do people do to protect the surfaces from rusting or corroding? And should I sandblast items that are painted that should be bare or natural finish? Or should I try and use paint stripper and rust remover?
just curious, re. powder coating the frame.. Do you plan to frequently drive the car in inclement weather and/or on salted roads up there in No CAL? are you powder coating because "that's what everybody does" or you actually think there is some necessity for it?
I ask because it normally will take a deduction in judging, and so far as I know it serves no useful purpose for mostly fair weather, weekend cars residing in CAL and the southwest.
When I've "restored" parts that were to be left in their natural state, I used satin clear enamel to coat them. I was pleased with how they looked and never had to worry about rust.
just curious, re. powder coating the frame.. Do you plan to frequently drive the car in inclement weather and/or on salted roads up there in No CAL? are you powder coating because "that's what everybody does" or you actually think there is some necessity for it?
I ask because it normally will take a deduction in judging, and so far as I know it serves no useful purpose for mostly fair weather, weekend cars residing in CAL and the southwest.
I’m honestly not too sure. Just seems like powder coating is the easy way to go. I’m okay getting dinged points here and there, I also might not ever have the car actually judged. I’m on a toss up with it, but since I’m here, might as well do the hard to reach parts because I don’t really feel like tearing it apart to this level again.
The idea would be to occasionally drive it. Hopefully at least more than just the weekend, won’t ever see salt.
The car lived its whole life back east so I guess I’m just trying to preserve it the best that I can.
I have mastercoats permanent rust sealer and top coat which would probably hold up better and longer than powder coating. I could go that route too with the frame.
I wouldn't worry about the two to three point loss for having a powder coated frame. Just get it done in the correct sheen add the stencil and shim marks and move on. There is much bigger things to worry about in judging
A couple products that can be used to protect bare steel or cast iron surfaces from rusting in addition to clear paint. Either will keep bare metal shiny for occasional driving as long as severe weather is avoided and your garage is dry. But clear paint is probably the most durable. For cast iron, Cast Blast is probably best.
Its been a few minutes but I have used alot of the Eastwood products in the past and was quite happy with how they stood up to the elements... Most of the different " restoration " colors came out well... Personally I would never put an unpainted part back on the car unless it was a trailer queen you never drive...
Huge fan of powder coating the frame...it looks amazing and is easy to keep clean. I, also, powder coated the control arms. Cast pieces (once cleaned) I lightly sprayed with satin clear coat.
Picture of my '67 frame. It looks more glossy that it actually is. Ask for a semi-gloss black powder coating.
Last edited by leif.anderson93; Mar 11, 2026 at 02:02 PM.
My vote is to powder coat the frame also.
I use matte clear. it's more flat than satin.
I've tried the RPM and it's not that easy to use. you have to heat the part, heat the product, and then brush it on.
Satin black is a better option for frame PC. Also, for new cast parts either the Eastwood product or a 2k satin clear which is a bit more durable. You can buy it in a can:
SprayMax 2K Semi Matte Clear Coat | 2K Automotive Satin Clear Coat Spray Paint for Cars, Motorcycles & Metal Surfaces | Durable Flat Finish, Chemical & Weather Resistant | Professional Grade 11.4 oz https://a.co/d/0eCQUPjN
Powder coat vs. paint, one guys opinion. If I'm going to drive the car in the real world I would paint, if just a fair-weather driver either will do. When paint chips, it just chips, when powder coat chips moisture will infiltrate between the metal and the coat. Bet we have all seen powder coat coming off in pieces on mowers, tractors and the like. WIth a good clean frame, epoxy primer, and urethane paint, it will last till Jesus comes back.
Restoration parts unpainted and painted questions
Dennis
