1972 Convertible Resto Mod
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,181
Likes: 1,177
From: out of nowhere
Too bad an oven large enough isn’t available to you. Out of all of the areas/parts on these cars that could use powder coating, that windshield/bird cage area could probably benefit from powder coating the most.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 155
Likes: 127
I want to do that with the birdcage as well, which is why I'm not 100% happy with the guys recommendation on the order to proceed with the repair.
He wants to:
- Chemical dip
- Powdercoat
- Mount on chassis
- Rebuild rear panels, doors, convertible top
- *THEN* fix windshield frame
That means in the end the new windshield frame parts aren't part of the powder coating. Given that they're currently the most rusted, I'm not happy about that.
I could technically disassemble everything again and put it back in the oven for a second coat, but that's just crazy.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,593
Likes: 7,041
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Practice on a small piece/area first!!!!!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 155
Likes: 127
That's interesting. When I powder coat I put it in the oven for 450 for 5-10 mins to get it to gloss over, then 20 mins to cure at 425. Are you saying you've successfully powder coated without curing for 20 mins?
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,593
Likes: 7,041
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Yes...but I would only do such a thing on metal that is hidden in case the gloss is uneven. It's an alternative-only method.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 14,395
Likes: 8,202
From: Napa Valley California
Personally I wouldn’t dip or powder coat the birdcage.
I would have it media blasted, prime it and apply a coat of POR 15.
Even then I would only apply POR 15 to the windshield frame and in the areas of the front body mounts.
Once the car is completely assembled you never see any portion of the birdcage except at the front body mounts inside the engine compartment.
If you do powder coat the birdcage you could repair the windshield frame afterwards, then paint it.
I had a couple items I had to weld on my frame after it was powder coated.
I found a paint that was the exact match for the powder coat and you can’t tell where I added the items to the frame.
I would have it media blasted, prime it and apply a coat of POR 15.
Even then I would only apply POR 15 to the windshield frame and in the areas of the front body mounts.
Once the car is completely assembled you never see any portion of the birdcage except at the front body mounts inside the engine compartment.
If you do powder coat the birdcage you could repair the windshield frame afterwards, then paint it.
I had a couple items I had to weld on my frame after it was powder coated.
I found a paint that was the exact match for the powder coat and you can’t tell where I added the items to the frame.
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