underbody prep

andyrob · Post by **andyrob** » Mon Nov 19, 07 9:30 pm

took engine, box & all suspension off big red & loud as to give it a good tidy up underneath
am going to get as much as possible powdercoated

has any had a back axle powder coated ? ( ive removed diff, halfshafts, brake etc)
nuts & bolts what do you do ? anodise ? paint ? powder coat ?

want to paint car underneath not to show car winner, but to 'race car nice' was going to use cans of smothrite after rubbing down with closed cup wheel or do you think use cure rust or red lead before paint ? -want it too last

opinions please

Rebel · Post by **Rebel** » Mon Nov 19, 07 9:43 pm

POR-15, available from Frost Restoration. long lasting protection and can be painted over

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 11:41 am

I have wondered long and hard about this what I am doing on the Coronet is removing all the old paint and underseal and then with a wire cup removing all the surface rust. I have then treated the metal with a rust neutraliser and then painted it with 2 coats of a zinc based primer. I then intend to apply a stone chip followed by a 2 pack body colour. Not sure if this is the best way to go but if you can stop the moisture and air getting to the metal you should stop the rust. If I come across any areas that are badly pitted I have cut out the rust and replaced with new. I will let you know in a few years how things are going if I ever get it finished.
Martin

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Tue Nov 20, 07 12:09 pm

Had the axle case powdercoated on the Dart the last time I had it off. You have to have it sandblasted first. I had to make up metal covers to seal it all up so as not to get it full of grit which you would never have completetly rid of. I left the covers on, and added extra nuts to cover all the studs when I got it powdercoated. Powdercoating can be virtually impossible to get off the bits you dont want it on. The firm I used offered to mask it all up for me but I didn't want to risk any cock up's. It all gets heated up to about 200 degrees after it's sprayed, so don't leave anything on that might melt. The finish, I thought was worth all the hassle, and I think it's the best finish for suspension components.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 12:50 pm

I had all my suspension comonents and K frame powder coated. All my bumper brackets and associated metal work coated too. John is right, it is worth the effort. I am now considering whether to go the same route with my axle, or just get JPC to paint it. I want powder coating, but hassle = cost. Powder coating has got to be the way to go.

Out of interest John, how far did you go in strtipping the axle before getting it done? Everthing off, everything out???

I din't suppose there are short cuts to be taken?

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Tue Nov 20, 07 1:13 pm

Stripped to a bare case Clivey. I had it sandblasted, and used a good undercoat and top coat the first time around, lasted about 3 years then I had rust spots all over it. Get it 'coated mate, if you want it to last!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 1:19 pm

To hijack Andy's thread a little (sorry),

I do want to powder coat it, but I am not quite confident to strip the axle down myself (its all a bit voodoo to me). I am nervous about putting it back together again and ruining it through lack of technical knowledge and experience on axles. On the flip side, I dont want to pay £40ph to strip it, then clean it (which I can do) then pay to get it coated.
Dilema

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Tue Nov 20, 07 1:31 pm

Clivey! Don't be such a pussy! Take plenty of pics then strip it and label it! It's five nuts for each side to get the halfshafts and brakes off, then 10(ish) nuts to drop the pumpkin out the middle. Then one bolt on the top for the breather/brake flexy union. Jobs a dun 'un!

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 1:35 pm

Oh Kev you are so masterfull. You have made it sound easy, I bet its full of shims n thingumyblobs that fall out when you open it up. I dont want to be left with a hand full of bolts n stuff when its back together you know

latil · Post by **latil** » Tue Nov 20, 07 1:37 pm

I've got tins of left over bolts and things.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 1:40 pm

Andy,

I am going the powder coating route.

Blue · Post by **Blue** » Tue Nov 20, 07 5:19 pm

Clivey, it all comes to bits in big chunks, even your mum could do it! If you're really worried about it bring it round here and I'll pull it apart, might even lend you me blanking covers if I can find them....

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 8:25 pm

Had me Dana powdercoated gunmetal grey, tis bein put together by Paul @ Southern Axles.

Can see all the BOM Nos too.

Kev · Post by **Kev** » Tue Nov 20, 07 8:30 pm

How much for the powder coating, Adam?

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Tue Nov 20, 07 8:36 pm

Kev wrote:How much for the powder coating, Adam?

Sandblasting £30 , powdercoating £35.