Fat 454
Full Access Member
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2012
- Posts
- 107
- Reaction score
- 184
- Location
- Australia
- First Name
- Andy
- Truck Year
- 1973
- Truck Model
- C20 Suburban
- Engine Size
- 454
I get everything blasted at a "local" industrial paint place. They do large stuff like frames and suspension arms OK, but are not interested in fiddly small parts ( I need a blast cabinet for those I think. I get them to zinc primer everything to prevent flash rust, and then finish paint when I get everything home. Its so much less work, a better prep, and really good value for the money.
I used to get stuff powder coated, but have found it doesnt hold up over time. Also, if you paint you can easily touch-up / repair painted metal if required.
Make sure to steam clean ( not pressure wash ) everything before taking it to be blasted, especially inside box sections like the front cross member. The extra time taken to prepare will pay you back well in the finished product. Also check for any road rash / cracks / unwanted holes from PO etc. all that prep should be done before blast and paint.
And of course use grade 8 bolts for re-assembly.
Finally, make sure to paint on a warm / hot dry day. I recently painted some tractor wheels, looked great, but the paint flakes off as the temperature was too cold when I painted - Grrrrr....
I used to get stuff powder coated, but have found it doesnt hold up over time. Also, if you paint you can easily touch-up / repair painted metal if required.
Make sure to steam clean ( not pressure wash ) everything before taking it to be blasted, especially inside box sections like the front cross member. The extra time taken to prepare will pay you back well in the finished product. Also check for any road rash / cracks / unwanted holes from PO etc. all that prep should be done before blast and paint.
And of course use grade 8 bolts for re-assembly.
Finally, make sure to paint on a warm / hot dry day. I recently painted some tractor wheels, looked great, but the paint flakes off as the temperature was too cold when I painted - Grrrrr....
