Wild Child
15th January 2005, 03:47
Hi Y'all!
I have recently started restoring my old Ironhead. I am getting ready to paint and wanted to explore powder coating - at least the frame, swingarm and brackets. Not the sheet metal 'cause it all needs body work. I asked the local paint shop about it and he recommended against it! He said that although it was a very tough finish, when it starts chipping (and it will) from stones, etc. it will leave bare metal exposed which leads to rust and then it's back to the body shop. Anyone have any opinions on this?
Wild Child
SportsterBart
15th January 2005, 04:00
Welcome to the forum Wild Child! :welcome
Of course the painter will say that. He needs to make a living too. ;)
Powdercoating is very durable, but it can be pricey. Both paint and powdercoat will rust if chipped, so it's just a matter of how much coin you want to spend.
Bart
gwcrim
15th January 2005, 15:39
Around this neck of the woods, you can get a frame sand blasted and powder coated for under $200. And that is money WELL spent. A painted frame will be chipped in a matter of miles. A PCed frame won't chip unless you use a hammer and chisel.
Irondrake77
15th January 2005, 16:07
Everything on mine is getting powdercoated, and yes, it is a very durable finish. I think I was quoted $75 for the frame, not much more for the swingarm and other little things.
divisi
15th January 2005, 16:45
Everything on mine is getting powdercoated, and yes, it is a very durable finish. I think I was quoted $75 for the frame, not much more for the swingarm and other little things.
Irondrake, who is doing your powdercoating?That is a good price.
divisi
Wild Child
16th January 2005, 01:25
That's great to hear! I thought as much but needed to hear it from another trooper to make the call.
PS - Powder Coating is generally far cheaper than paint! Major drawback - no filler can be used so the bare metal and welds must be perfect cause everything is going to show.
SportsterBart
16th January 2005, 02:04
Don't forget to remove the races.
Bart
flathead45
16th January 2005, 02:12
and chase all threaded holes before fitting the fastener
gp9739
17th January 2005, 20:55
When regular paint gets chipped (and it chips easier than power coated paint) to the metal, it also rusts if you don't touch it up. Just touch up the power coat chip with regular paint.