Undercarriage finishes?

[PeterAllen]

Forgive the pun but a bit of a broad brush request. I will shortly be stripping all of the suspension and drivetrain components from my build in preparation for a final assembly. Some items are standard components from automotive manufactures (cross member, control arms, steering rack, etc) and some are steel items I have fabricated. Some of the one-off and fabricated components have surface rust (CV couplings with threaded holes, etc) due to the duration of the build.

I would appreciate any suggestion on the types of finishes I should consider for all the undercarriage components – e.g. paint (light or dark colour and type); powder coating (light or dark colour); cad plating, etc., or even items which might be left untreated, e.g. diff housing.

It’s not a trailer queen, just something I want to go touring in. Thanks

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

I would appreciate any suggestion on the types of finishes I should consider for all the undercarriage components – e.g. paint (light or dark colour and type); powder coating (light or dark colour); cad plating, etc., or even items which might be left untreated, e.g. diff housing.

POR15 .... pick your colour. Black is good on diffs, drive shafts LCA's etc.

[Aussie Mike]

Have a look at the products from POR15. Lots of Cobra guys have had good results with them.

Personally I would not reccomend powder coating for this area. The problem with Powder coating is that it can chip and when it does usually a big chunk falls off. The coating is nice but any coating is only a stong as it's bond to the material under it. With the stones and junk flying round under the car it will get chipped and leave an area of bare metal exposed to the elements.

Many of the new paints out there like POR15 will have a better bond with the surface than powder coating.

Cheers


Cheers

[leroy17]

This is just a suggestion so dont shoot me down if not suitable however I used these guys for a number of items.

Hot black oxide.

Black Oxide Metal Finishers, Tool Makers Victoria | Bluing, Surface Protective Coatings, Electroplaters

[Zedn]

I used por15 as an under coat and then 2pack over the top. My intention is that it should only chip through to the por15. For the underbody I am going to use kahguard based on recommendation from the paint shop. I plan to paint over the body deadner with gloss black por15. There's pics in my gallery.

[Rebel1]

Originally Posted by Zedn

For the underbody I am going to use kahguard based on recommendation from the paint shop. I plan to paint over the body deadner with gloss black por15. There's pics in my gallery.

Here is a similar product from the POR15 mob. I've not used it but a mate has it in his wheel arches and it looks and feels fantastic.

http://www.ppcco.com.au/kits7.htm

Mind you, it would want to be given it's price.

[xb-60]

Powder coating is very popular, but more expensive than wet spray (particularly for large items). If it chips, the damaged area on a powder coated surface is more difficult to repair effectively. Powder coating is slightly more porous than a wet spray (but not much in it). I would go with a wet spray.
I don't know anything about POR15 other than what I've read. It sounds like good stuff.
Cheers,
Glen

[Rob. Smith]

Don't go with cad plating...it goes real dirty after a while. Especially the 'gold' finish. I bought a Nickle Cobalt plating plant and did all the suspension parts. I could have gone the total show polish finish but I would still be polishing stuff. I decided for a glass bead finish and all the bits came out looking like satin stainless steel. Alas the supplier of the plating plant got way too many questions etc on his email so he folded his business. I've found a supplier for the anodes but when the chemicals become depleted I'm stuffed.

[Zedn]

Originally Posted by Rebel1

Here is a similar product from the POR15 mob. I've not used it but a mate has it in his wheel arches and it looks and feels fantastic.

http://www.ppcco.com.au/kits7.htm

Mind you, it would want to be given it's price.

I forgot about that stuff. PPC are only 10 mins drive away, i might pop in and see if they have a sample i can touch and feel.

[Zedn]

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

Forgive the pun but a bit of a broad brush request. I will shortly be stripping all of the suspension and drivetrain components from my build in preparation for a final assembly. Some items are standard components from automotive manufactures (cross member, control arms, steering rack, etc) and some are steel items I have fabricated. Some of the one-off and fabricated components have surface rust (CV couplings with threaded holes, etc) due to the duration of the build.

I would appreciate any suggestion on the types of finishes I should consider for all the undercarriage components – e.g. paint (light or dark colour and type); powder coating (light or dark colour); cad plating, etc., or even items which might be left untreated, e.g. diff housing.

It’s not a trailer queen, just something I want to go touring in. Thanks

Having a look at your photo, i would go with POR 15. Its thick and it doesnt matter if you dont get rid of all the rust. The amount of prep you would need for other paints wouldnt be worth it if not going for a show finish.

[DaveW]

I've been using HPC performance coatings in Leongatha for a lot of my bits and pieces,
They have apearance coatings that are far more durable than paints and powdercoating,
and incredibly chip resistant.

HPC - High Performance Coatings

regards
Dave

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by DaveW

I've been using HPC performance coatings in Leongatha for a lot of my bits and pieces,
They have apearance coatings that are far more durable than paints and powdercoating,
and incredibly chip resistant.

HPC - High Performance Coatings

regards
Dave

Ditto HPC in Leongatha Vic - they've done some of my stuff (including Hi-temp ceramic coating on the headers), and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Not all that much more expensive than the por15 stuff.
Ultimately cost would depend on size, if area is large, por15 would be more cost effective, but for suspension pieces and drive arms, the HPC finish is pretty much show quality.