I am thinking of getting my subframe powdercoated. Anyone else have this done? Do they like it? Anyone get anything else powdercoated? I am also considering the control arms.

I have a subframe and a set of lower A-Arms at the powder coater's now. I will post pictures when they are back. I believe there are at least three others who have done this (Salmon38?, Jusride?).

What are they charging you to have the powder coating done? Are they dipping it or did you have that done seperately?

They shot blast it. It only has surface rust (nothing serious) so it didn't need to be dipped. My only regret is not spending an hour with an angle grinder to clean up some of the ugly welds.

These are being done for the cost of materials. My company uses this powder coater for almost everything, so I am getting a good deal.

I have seen several cars of my friends here in Houston who had it done...it looks great...!!

in my own case , I wont do it , because it would then make me want to have that engine room SOOOO clean afterwards, its a driver and I dont want to spend time cleaning in there...right now its the std Firebird satin black, its fine enough for me....

but in regards to your question, it looks good and they all say it wasnt expensive....whatever that means...lol

Without having the frame dipped, how are you sure of getting good coverage on the inside?

They can shoot down the frame rails and through the access holes. The coverage will be better than painting (but just a little better) because of the nature of powder coating.

Also - I hate to say it - but the only snow or rain my car is ever going to see is the picture on the cardboard box of spring water I put under it when I change the oil.

LOL, good point.

Yep, I had it done. I got the subframe, lower control arms, and transmission crossmember blasted and powdercoated and had a small box of misc parts sandblasted only. All for $175.

Since then I have had the rear axle done and will have the inner fenders and radiator support done as well.

I highly recommended it.

Powdercoating is more durable than just about any paint provided the metal has the proper etch first. Not all abrasives are conducive to good "stickiness".

A small electrical charge is put on the metal piece which draws the powder into inaccessible spaces. However, if there is rust, dirt or residue in there the powder won't stick well. Just like in painting prep is everything.

We powdercoated a smashed race car's frame as an experiment to see how well the powder stuck to the inside of the fully-boxed frame. After cuttting the frame into a bunch of small pieces we found that every square inch was covered.

The only thing that I don't like about the process is that when chipping occurs you can't perfectly patch the area with paint - it won't match unless you paint the entire piece.

Other than that it's a great way to go - and cheap!

- Jake

I have done several frames in powder coat. Its very durable. Easy to keep clean. I have done a motor and trans with it. Keeps the new look all the time. I have no problem with using powder coating parts in my restorations. The key is making sure the parts are super clean.