Powder Coat of Paint Chassis???

[Curt - TN]

OK, I just got a new custom frame for my 57 GMC and I am trying to decide if I should Powder Coat or Paint the new Chassis.

With paint it is easier for me to touch up but with powder coat it should be more durable. What scares me is if I have to make any modifications after powder coat it will be ugly matching and touching it up.

If you were doing a new build which way would you go and why?

[Dan in Pasadena]

I did powder coat. The trick is DON'T do modifications.but if you're forced to? It really isnt that hard to match (well enough) with a good quality automotive enamel or even Rustoleum amazingly.

[mr48chev]

I'm going to paint mine for the exact same reasons you ponder over. if I have to make a change or things get looking a bit rough paint is a lot easier to fix.

Most likely you won't be making any changes on that custom frame like we might on a modified frame that still needs tweaking after it gets driven a ways.

[Curt - TN]

Two things I should have added.

First I plan on doing the truck in Torch Red and I plan on making the chassis a close color of red also. That is why I am concerned about being able to match the red powder coat with touch up paint.

Second, the chassis I purchased is designed for 57 Chevy and I have a 57 GMC. So far I know the radiator core support is different on the GMC so I know that I will need to fab up a new radiator core support bracket. Not sure about the rest.

[Speedbumpauto]

I did powder coat and still don't look back. It's pretty and durable. I did do a pretty extensive mock up before coating. I have made a few mods but have discovered innovative way to make them bolt on instead of weld on. That way the little Eastwood powder coat system I have access to makes brackets match perfectly. After throwing $$ at that neat chassis, I'd powder coat it in a heart beat!

[mongocanfly]

Pc is nice..but its gonna be paint for mine...I know pc is a top notch coating..but nobody but me is ever gonna see it and my truck is no show truck and will get driven alot...but curt looking at your builds your doing show quality work that deserves a good pc...but there's always that..ohhh, I need to move this or add that moment..

[Foot Stomper]

"If there's any doubt, there's no doubt."
That is to say if you're concerned about powder coat for any reason then paint.
Power coat will spread rust under a chip or scratch. My truck is not getting powder coat anywhere because paint is so very easy to repair.

[my56chevytruck]

Nice frame for sure but I'd stongly suggest painting it yourself. why you ask? for the very reasons you mention; you are going to make changes or have to work on something you didn't plan on. but maybe you're better organized than myself.

[NorCalGal]

I had a powder coated frame, as Foot Stomper stated any chip or scratch and it will rust under the powder coating causing it to fall off. It's much easier to touch up a painted frame. Just my opinion.

[Advanced Design]

Paint or powder coat, that is a nice looking frame! Who fabricated it?

[ptc]

Paint ... for all the good reasons specified above mine.... RUST being #1. You cannot PC over the top of etching primer which will not let any rust ever happen again.

[62lwbc10]

I painted mine with a high quality enamel and everyone who looks at it says wow you powder coated the frame! Boom!

[Foot Stomper]

Originally Posted by 62lwbc10

I painted mine with a high quality enamel and everyone who looks at it says wow you powder coated the frame! Boom!

Booyah!