Frame Detailing/Painting

[tgreen]

I am planning to tackle the job of cleaning and painting the frame under my 72 coupe. I plan to do this with the body on the car. The frame is very solid with no rust. Its just kind of dirty and in need of attention. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to do this, what is the best primer/paint to use, etc. I have seen examples that looked like someone climbed under the car and just sprayed paint over everything including dirt,rust, and parts that should not have been painted black. That is not the result I'm after. Right now my strategy will be to get her up on stands (after she's parked for the winter, of course) and patiently and carefully work on one section at a time until it is done. Any thoughts or experiences you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Ted

 

[Bill75]

Painting Frame

Hello Ted,

A popular material to use for frame painting and rust preventative is POR 15. It's an excellent material that looks good and prevents rust if used correctly. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS, use primer where appropriate. The material is UV sensitive and will turn color I'm told if exposed to direct sunlight, so they offer a topcoat material to prevent the color shift. Hardly a problem for frame painting I think. Here's a link to a place that sells the stuff.
http://www.prp-porstore.com

Last winter I removed my gas tank and painted the rear portion of my frame and undercarriage with it and I'm very happy with the results. When they say don't get it on your hands, they mean it, I had to wear off that layer of skin!!

Good luck

Bill

 

[CQRT]

Ted:
I started with a high pressure sprayer, then a putty knife to scrape grease and general crud off the frame - - -I then used a variety of wire brush attachments inside the fender wells and on the frame to get down to clean surfaces. Here in AZ rust is less of an issue, so I simply used flat or semi gloss rustoleum after taping off stainless components that I wanted to keep bright although there seem to be a great number of POR users with high praise for the product.
Overall, it took about 4 weekends . . .but I kept finding more and more little things I wanted to address along the way - -seems like the never-ending story! My goal was not an NCRS-spec car-- simply something clean and detailed that I could enjoy.
Regards-

CQRT in AZ

 

[JohnGrawcock]

It's a dirty job but some fool has got to do it.

I started with enough gunk down there that I just crawed in with a couple of cans of degreaser and a toothbush and started cleaning. The rense was the fun part. I was laying on the ground with the garden hose washing all that junk down onto myself. should have seen me when I was done.

I did the exhaust and trans work at the same time so I didn't have those parts in my way. I doubt you what to drop the trans but taking the exhaust off wouldn't be a bad idea. You'll get to more and not end up with paint burning off the pipes.

 

[Mac]

One way to get heavy crud to soften up and wash off more easily is to spray it down with mineral spirits. It's works well, it won't damage paint or rubber, it's cheap and it's available at any paint store. Most degreasers won't break up greasy caked-on crud which accumulates on the frame. However (you knew there was a downside, didn't ya?) it leaves a residue, so you have to rinse with detergent & water before painting.

-Mac

 

[JohnGrawcock]

Hey Mac,
I might try the mineral spirits on the next one, but I gotta say the combo of engine degreaser, a putty knife, and a tooth brush did pretty good.
-John G

 

[Twin_Turbo]

POR15 is a good paint to use, but not on a spotlessly clean & rust free frame. Without rust it does not bond very well and will easily chip & peel off. Use etching acid to treat a clean frame. Sandblasting also helps because the por will attach better to the rough siurface, however without the body off that's a real messy job. POR15 also becomes chalky from exposure to UV light, it will develop white spots and the black will fade to a dull finish. When the por is still tacky, spray paint it with some automotive black paint to protect it from UV light, it will leave a nice finish that should last for quite some time.

 

[jeff72]

Me too

Ted -How did your detail work turn out. I also have a 72 -am planning the same thing -painting and detailing the frame on a family man's budget i.e. by hand.

Seems the Por 15 is a real time saver. Did you use it?

Would like to hear about the work.

Thanks,

Jeff72

I am planning to tackle the job of cleaning and painting the frame under my 72 coupe. I plan to do this with the body on the car. The frame is very solid with no rust. Its just kind of dirty and in need of attention. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to do this, what is the best primer/paint to use, etc. I have seen examples that looked like someone climbed under the car and just sprayed paint over everything including dirt,rust, and parts that should not have been painted black. That is not the result I'm after. Right now my strategy will be to get her up on stands (after she's parked for the winter, of course) and patiently and carefully work on one section at a time until it is done. Any thoughts or experiences you can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Ted