Has anyone powdercoated these parts? I figure if they can be painted, they can be coated just as easily. Am I overlooking something? Is it better just to paint them?Also, any better way to define the proper color other than "Phosphate Gray"? I realize coating will not be 100% original, but I am going for good looking, durable, and resembling original.

Thanks

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1968 Chevelle SS396 - Yellow 4 speed, air, factory Buick interior
1998 Camaro Z28 - 6 speed
1999 Nissan Maxima SE - 5 speed
2000 Passat Wagon - 5 speed tip

Gary,

The phosphating process on these parts left varing color finishes. For example when a new batch of phosphate was first used the parts were closer to black in color. The more parts that went thru the phosphate the weaker the mix became and the lighter the finish on the later parts.

For the most part what you would see would be a satin medium gray/black finish. I don't know how you could duplicate this with powder coating.

During my restoration (10 year frame off, see pics below), I came up with a nice formula to duplicate this finish. I used POR-15 manifold paint. I actually mixed about 50/50 the Velvet Black and Gray, then lightly thinned and sprayed with an airbrush. After some settup time (see POR-15 directions) I then put them on some foil and an old cookie sheet and baked them in my wifes oven. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif With the overhead fan on of course.

It has been over 2 years now since I finished these parts and installed them and they still look perfect. Lots of compliments at shows and lots of how'd you do it questions.

I see alot of guys use "CastBlast" paint. The satin sheen finish looks good but the color is not quite right.

Hope this helps.



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FastSS396Man
Brian

Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manflqtr3.jpg), Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manflqtr2.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manrrqtr3.jpg),
Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manint1.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manint2.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396mantrunk2.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manfrchassis.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manexh.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manengine1.jpg),Fastss396 (http://chevelles.com/showroom/fastss396manrchas1.jpg)
69' SS396 Chevelle
L78 396/375hp
M-21 Close Ratio
Cortez Silver
10 year Resto
It's brand new again!
02' Harley FatBoy, Diamond Ice pearl.

How did you guys clean your hinges and get paint inside the coils. I tried using the nails but they chip the paint off.

What I do works great. Unfortunately not everyone has an engine hoist.

I hook a chain around one end of the coil spring and then to the hook on the arm of the hoist. I then hook another chain to the bottom of the spring and attach it to the set bolt on the leg of the hoist. Slowly jack the hoist up until it opens the spring slightly. Works great.

I also use the attached process when customers chose not to pay for phosphating. (my sign on is SS427) http://www.yenko.net/ubb/Forum10/HTML/000194.html

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"Details Make the Difference"
Musclecar Restoration and Design

ACES #5032
TC #1074

[This message has been edited by Rick_Nelson (edited 02-21-2002).]