I am about to yank the "subframe" on my 71 firebird, I haven't done any really detailed inspection but the frame looks likes its in good shape without much rust that i can see. I really want something that looks really good and powedercoating seems like it looks the best! I don't think anybody can argue with that. I have been doing some searches and it seems people really also like the POR 15. My MAIN concerns are 1. How well does powdercoating hold up to rocks and chips? How Does it hold up to dirt and grime, does it just wash off or need scrubbing?
2. My car sits really low and the engine crossmember scrapes on the ground ALL the time, obvioulsy whatever coating i use will scrape off, butt will powdercoating start chipping and spreadig? or will it just be scraped only where it is hit, and how easily does it scratch?
3. After it is powdercoated if for some reason i need to screw something to the frame or drill a hole, how will the powedercoating hold up? will it start to flake off around the drilled area or just stay confined to that spot?
This is just a subframe and is only about 6 feet long, and is "open" on both ends, so i guess i have an advantage to the fact that it will be somewhat easier to coat the inside of the frame. DO you think the powdercoating will do the job of protecting the frame since it is a little easier at coating the inside? thanks for any help, i have been doing a lot of searches and am a little confused! I definetly like the way the powdercoating looks! Por15 from what i have seen after putting on their top coat kind of looks like fresh spray paint. I am hoping to get the subframe, control arms, spindles, radiator support, and miscellaneous parts done for under $600, but i am still considering the por15. I might be a little optimistic on that price! :rolleyes:

based on my experience with Powder Coating frames , my resto chevelle and a friends race tube chassis, both done in 60% gloss black it wiil chip but does not spread and moisture does not get under the chipped edge ...... touch up with the correct match spray ( Duplicolor satin black is no problem) During my search for price for powder coating I did find some places who were cheaper but they did not go through the recommended prep procedures .... IMO the shop that does the coating and also the sandblasting is the one I would use. you should have no problem getting a F car subframe and control arms etc done for 600.00 If your not concerned about originality check out a black texured PC finish that is available very nice! also you can get PC in a clear ....real nice touch for the control arms etc over the black pc base coat ..... looks great with texured frame. BTW the texture is very light I have only seen it in 60% black. FWIW

thanks, originally i was thinking of semi gloss, but too show off the powder coating i thihk i want a real glossy black, nothing original at all. I am going to ask the shops if they use urethane/epoxy and how and if they will sandblast it, and how they plan on getting in the frame