I have searched the archives but I still have a question about using POR-15.

I want to use this stuff on my frame, suspension, and rearend. Has anyone used the semi-gloss black paint on these parts without using the chassis black topcoat? Are these parts out of the UV light enough to warrant not applying the topcoat?

Thanks

I used just the paint without top coat on the frame, rear end, control arms, gas tank and trunk/floor pans. Came out sweet. That was in 2002 and I have no complaints on it yet. That was in Kansas so we had plenty of sunshine. I used the black gloss.

Is it absolutely necessary to clean with Marine Clean and etch with Metal Ready?

I would say the Marine Clean = yes. I spent so much on the POR, I just wanted to make sure and followed their instrctions to a "T".

The Metal ready is "really" for bare metal. It helps the POR stick better. I'll confess though, I used both on everything I did (see links below) and I never had a problem with anything peeling or lifting....

In place of the Marine Clean I used Citrus Clean made by Zep and sold at Home Depot. You just need to use a good degreaser.

If you're having the frame sandblasted, then Metal Ready will not be necessary. Metal Ready is used to etch smooth, clean metal. Por 15 adheres well to surfaces that have been cleaned of corrosion and to surfaces that have been sandblasted.

How many quarts of the POR-15 do I need to do the rearend, suspension, and frame? How many coats of it do I need to apply?

I'd figure 1 quart, course if you spill it......

I used POR on my suspension and frame. Do 2 coats. I used the semi gloss black. Came out real nice. HOlding up fine ,been 2 years. Use 2 coats of POR. Put the second on when the first causes your finger to drag, don't wait until it is completely dry.
this stuff goes a long way if you brush it on. One quart will be more than enough.

Some mistakes I made..

1: sandblasted and still used metal ready

2: didnt get all the residue from the metalready off before i used por

3: put the por on in sub 40 degree temps which makes it thick so it looks good when you first put it on but then it runs and sags(man i was po'd)sanded for two days to get the runs out.

4:didnt get all the residue from the metalready off before i used por,didnt stick well in spots.Pealing now.

Oh,and about painting over por without the tiecoat,i did it on my firewall and it looks great BUT,its still in my garage and hasnt been out in the elements,except for cold,damp/hot temps,no actual driving type conditions.

Another quick question about the POR 15; I've heard that the gloss colors dull quickly into a milky white? True or False? If so, what should it be "sealed" with, anything?

It will only dull if the part is exposed to direct sunlight. If is to be exposed, topcoat it with the chassis black or SCUFF it and apply some other type of paint.

I have used alot of this product with good results...my advice is to buy in small (pint) containers and use a small hole in the top/side of the can to pour out of and one in the lid for air. OR buy a large amount and pour smaller amount into some MASON jars to seal it up...

Rick