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Any suggestions on frame prep and paint?

kev23t

New Member
I have a bare frame coming and I would like some suggestions on what to use for primer,paint on it. I want something durable but powdercoating is not an option.
 
First, give it a very good cleaning with a wax and grease remover like PPG Acrili-Clean DX330 or an equivalent. This will insure that you have a clean surface. Then thourghly sand the entire frame being with 80 grit paper being sure to remove ALL surface rust. This will give you a good, clean "tooth" for your primer to hold on to. Before shooting any primer, wipe everything down again with the wax and grease remover as before to remove any oils from your sanding and handling. Now you are ready to shoot the primer which can be a high build primer such as PPG K36 or better yet I would use PPG DPLF first which is an epoxy primer that REALLY adheres to properly prepared bare metal. I have suggested the PPG products because that is what I am most familiar with but any good automotive paint supply store will be able to recommend their products that closely equal the type of materials that I have suggested.

Jim
 
I agree with what Jim said
However if you are going to take a while before putting the FINISH color on
I would only use EPOXY primer
Regular primer will begin to rust right through the primer -- it is to porous
also if you see any little dimples in the metal I used automotive glazing putty or bondo to fill in
if you use a good quality bondo it will be there for the life of your T

Frank
 
I agree with what Jim said
However if you are going to take a while before putting the FINISH color on
I would only use EPOXY primer
Regular primer will begin to rust right through the primer -- it is to porous
also if you see any little dimples in the metal I used automotive glazing putty or bondo to fill in
if you use a good quality bondo it will be there for the life of your T

Frank

I might add that the fillers can be added on top of either of the primers that I mentioned as they are both a catalyzed product. The old fashioned way was to apply fillers to bare metal only but that went out with the old porous lacquer type primers. Just make sure to rough up the surface with some sandpaper first to insure a good bond.

Jim
 
I'm going to paint my frame this afternoon. PPG NCP-271 primer, PPG black DBC for the base coat, and PPG DCU2021 for the clear coat. The two primers that Ex Junk mentioned are excellent, just be sure that the primer you use is compatible with the material that you are going to spray on top of it.
 
I'm going to paint my frame this afternoon. PPG NCP-271 primer, PPG black DBC for the base coat, and PPG DCU2021 for the clear coat. The two primers that Ex Junk mentioned are excellent, just be sure that the primer you use is compatible with the material that you are going to spray on top of it.

I am a firm believer in using the same product line from primer to top coat. You may pay a little more but in the long run you can be assured of lasting results. With the chemistry that is involved the paints today, every manufacturer has their own and sometimes there are reactions over time. I just don't think that is is worthwhile to risk losing a finish to save a couple of dollars.

Jim
 
I have a bare frame coming and I would like some suggestions on what to use for primer,paint on it. I want something durable but powdercoating is not an option.
Keep in mind if you have a bare frame you can keep it from rusting while you're mocking up with Gibbs Brand pennetrant(this aint your usual WD-40).My frame sat bare for over 6 months while I tacked on brackets,finished welded,and generally beat on it til I got where I wanted it.Not a speck of surface rust.I got mine thru roadsters.com(which is a great site by the way.
 
I have a bare frame coming and I would like some suggestions on what to use for primer,paint on it. I want something durable but powdercoating is not an option.


Why not powdercoat?? there's usually somewhere close to have it done. However I've always used a good primer on a sandblasted frame being sure not to handle it with bare hands (use cotton gloves, available from Lowes), then I use acrylic enamel thinned with lacquer thinner (it dries faster). Because even after you get the car together, you will find something you missed or something you need to change by welding. Touch-up is now easier to do. I have added hardener to the paint to increase the sheen and to make it more durable. If it were me, I would forget about paint or primer yet, put the car together, drive it to make sure everything works, then take it apart and paint, powder coat or whatever. For what it's worth.
 
Would Wd40 help prevent rust until I can get it painted?
Kev, I don't think anyone has given you bad advice but, spraying the frame with more oil is what you will be fighting when its actually time to paint the frame. I would suggest degreasing the frame, prep with 80 grit, a quick burnoff around welds and brackets with a rosebud and then a light coat of etch primer. if kept out of the weather it should be good for quite some time until your finished with mock-up......ruggs
 
What ruggs said is spot on . You can get etch primer at the auto paint store in a 20 oz can (If you dont want to spray) for about 18.00.
 
I keep a box fan going at all times in the shop. it seems to keep the rust problem at bay. I also agree with Ruggs. I have a Model A pick up bed I made from scratch 4 years ago that i sprayed with napa's Martin Senour self-etching primer in spray cans and there are no signs of rust to this day.

Ron
 
What is the best way to remove rust around weld?
(First time I've suggested this company) Go to Harbor Frieght and buy a cheapy sand blaster and a bag of playground sand (make sure you sift it) and your good to go.......ruggs
 

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