powder coat

[JHertzman@xxxxxxx]

In AD7-134 Bryan Carter asks " Anybody have any experience with powder
coating?  I'm thinking about the process for some suspension/driveline
components and I'm curious about the finish, longevity, cost, and availability
of colors.  Also, can any metal be powder coated (I want to do my calipers)?"

Yes, some experience, mixed, on a set of Milano wheels. Marvelous, but a
relatively inexperienced local person went a tad heavy, which can lead to a
more brittle coat and susceptibility to chipping. Will do it again- and again-
with someone who is not a beginner.

There should be many good companies, some in your phone book if in a
significant metro area, otherwise in Hemmings. One in my area (stock car
country, with a fair amount of kustom kar activity) puts out a handy price
sheet with a basic introduction to process and limits, answering the kinds of
questions Bryan asks- Q: "can any metal be powder coated?" A: Yes, any clean,
conductive substrate able to withstand 400 degrees, 250 in some cases, and fit
in a 4' x 4' x 6' oven. Powdertech, 1-800-952-1225, no connection but they
impressed me. Colors, nine stock and more than 450 others with a surcharge.
Listed prices include degreasing, sandblasting, masking and coating with stock
finishes (black, white, red, dark blue, clear, wrinkle black, chrome silver,
yellow, orange, green), less 25% discount on properly precleaned parts. They
will quote on anything but list prices for about fifty common parts or
packages, mostly oriented toward standard American iron, small block Chevy and
the like. You said you want to do your calipers, $85 per pair. Other prices
range from tie-rod ends ($25 each) to big V8 block, heads and intake, same
color same time for $450 iron, $375 aluminum. You could spend a mint doing a
whole car fancy but prices look generally affordable to me (four wheels $250,
goodbye brake dust)

I just ran a quickie total for a GT Veloce, engine, head, valve cover, pan,
air cleaner, booster, master, 4 calipers, gearbox, drive shaft, universals,
tie rods and ends, wheels, springs, spindles, upper & lower front suspension
arms, steering box, alternator, It looks like a bit over $2000 but I could
probably double that if I wanted fluorescent purple chameleon candyflake on
the Webers. I would probably lavish thought and careful preparation before
taking the plunge.

Check your phone book, no substitute for direct communication with a good
local source, but places like this can offer a baseline and I don't expect to
find anything much better in my neighborhood.

John H.

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