I just bought a rusty 66 ss convertible that has been stripped. It has been put on a hardtop frame somewhere along the way. It has surface rust pretty much all over. I have a 66 convt frame that i plan to use but am considering having it dipped by some place in MISS I heard about. I think they dip it in some kind of zinc phosphate or galvanizing after stripping it. I am also considering having the body dipped because of the surface rust in areas i can't get to. But i have heard that this removes cauking and things that you can't get back in. I am also worried about the body flexing, but I guess since it is on a hard top frame this may have already happened. Any comments, suggestions or info on personal experiences is appreciated. Has anyone used this place in Miss - I don't have a name or number. Does anyone have a convt on a non boxed frame - is it holding up ok? The boxed frame i have needs some repair on the top left side - what would be under the rear seat, so if a hardtop frame would work ok i might use it. Thanks again!

If you have a conv. frame, I would defenatly use it. You really need the extra support, especialy if you have a torky motor to twist the frame. They didn't box them to practice welding. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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TC Member # 1308
http://72sselcamino1.tripod.com/calscaminos/

66, let me share 1st hand about dipping a car body. A bud of mine took his 70 SS and had it dipped. When he brought it to the shop, I was shocked out of my shoes. All's it had was the phosphate coating. It removed everything, seam sealant, galvanizing, plastic clips, rust, the putty used on the inner part of the hood to isolate it from the outer skin, insulation pad glued to the roof skin. I mean everything was gone. We busted our butts. Imagine turning a hood upside down pouring epoxy primer in the center and swishing it around to coat everything. Drilling holes in the rockers and using a pump up sprayer with a long wand to reach inside. We never did get it completely primed in. Man, that was a mess I'll never forget. It was way over my head. The car never did get finished and he sold it at a big loss. Something to think about.

As for the frame, I think that would be fairly easy to dip and refinish, However, I've never done it, we've always had them sand blasted

Thats why if you dip the body or other parts you should have it e-coated.. Otherwise you will run into issues like that.. also once they are coated with the "oil" or whatever it is, alot of folks complain that the chemical solvent creeps up to ruin your paint job.. Just some food for thought.. Although you need a governmebt grant to get it dipped and e-coated but if your going to do it.. do it right!

Thanks for the replys guys. Sounds like this may be something I don't want to get in to. What is e-coating though?

basically after dipping to strip, they clean then dip in and electrically charged Vat of PPG DP-90 Primer.. Goes everywhere the solvents go and protect.. Check this guy out.. www.ecoatking.com (http://www.ecoatking.com) he's a real nice guy..