Powder coat or paint frame?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 180
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From: Oklahoma City OK
Powder coat or paint frame?
I am considering a body-off restoration of my '71. I had originally thought of painting the frame with Imron but recently heard about powder coating being used. Does anyone have experience with either? What kind of cost is involved with them?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 10
From: dallas TX
I don't know if the restorer I was talking too was correct, but I was advised by him not to powdercoat if it was a driver. He clained that powdercoat woud chip and not be easily repaired.. I have powdercoated other things, and the coating seems tough, but I guess frames might get scraped on things?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
There is a place close to me that does frames all the time. They do motorcycle, race cars, you name it. I have used them several time to do different parts. He is a corvette owner also.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
The car is not a daily driver, but it is not trailered either
I would think the powder coating would be at least as durable as paint. If it gets chipped, well, that's what happens when you drive them. 
Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 653
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From: Dickinson (Houston) Texas
I had a quote to powdercoat my frame for $300 here in Houston. It is a company that builds boat trailers so they have a large enough oven.
I decided against powdercoating because of the chipping issue. I plan to POR-15 the frame, and powdercoat other components such as A-Arms and other suspensions items. With the POR-15, you can touch up the chips, where powdercoating you can't touch it up.
www.bigdogvettes.com
I decided against powdercoating because of the chipping issue. I plan to POR-15 the frame, and powdercoat other components such as A-Arms and other suspensions items. With the POR-15, you can touch up the chips, where powdercoating you can't touch it up.
www.bigdogvettes.com
Last edited by matchframe; Aug 1, 2004 at 07:25 PM.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 594
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From: Tucson AZ
Originally Posted by Nick in OKC
Please pardon the newbie question.
This link has some pictures I posted that show what POR looks like.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/showthread.php?t=873920
Craig
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,214
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From: Casa Grande AZ
Ok, first of all, I sell paint for a living.
But powdercoating is far more durable and it's not going to chip away with normal use. POR is a great product and works well. It's more durable than regular urethane(imron and other brand names). But if you went that route I'd use Chassis Saver since it's the same thing and half the price. Single stage urethane will be your most durable regular paint and is a good choice as well. It's been used in very demanding environments for decades and you can expect good results. They are all good products with different durability levels and finished looks.
But powdercoating is far more durable and it's not going to chip away with normal use. POR is a great product and works well. It's more durable than regular urethane(imron and other brand names). But if you went that route I'd use Chassis Saver since it's the same thing and half the price. Single stage urethane will be your most durable regular paint and is a good choice as well. It's been used in very demanding environments for decades and you can expect good results. They are all good products with different durability levels and finished looks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 1
From: New Cumberland PA
Originally Posted by turtlevette
is it possible to powdercoat a whole frame? They would need a big oven.
I choose to use POR15. I was quoted $300 for a frame which is good; however, the wanted $100 to do trailing arms. Didn't make sense to me.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Orange Park FL
When I started the resto on my '80 I had the entire frame and most of the suspension parts powder coated in San Deigo, cost me about $700 for all of it. The place I took it had a black that is so close to the factory black that you cannot tell. I have hade no problems with it.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,677
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From: Huntsville AL
Originally Posted by AE2inaL82
When I started the resto on my '80 I had the entire frame and most of the suspension parts powder coated in San Deigo, cost me about $700 for all of it. The place I took it had a black that is so close to the factory black that you cannot tell. I have hade no problems with it.
