Powder coat frame or just POR-15 it.

[bosque]

[MadTripper]

I'm anxious to see this! Keep us posted through visual aids if possible!

Tripper

[Sierra Patrol]

Would either way effect the value for the hard core collector?

[miller]

Would either way effect the value for the hard core collector?

Yes and No.. For a true restoration the frame should be as it was from the factory, painted. Saying this though finishing a car to a standard higher than factory finish is favourable as well. I think anyone that was interested in buying a high end restored Patrol wouldnt be fussed if it was powdercoated or painted. A super rare Mercedes roadster it would matter.

In my opinion unless its going to be a trailer queen I would paint it. Although powdercoating will look great, stone chips and touch ups wont be as easy to repair as painting. I just cant see the benifits out weighing the cost but Im open to hear others pro's/con's.

Either way congratulations on taking the big plunge and doing it properly from the ground up!

[bosque]

SP,
Paint it. I remember you said you were going to drive it like normal. Nothing wrong with spending dough on cool stuff. I'd spend the money on a rack or bumper. I was thinking you have a connection or something to this powder coat service.? If its a bro deal then I see the temptation but honestly...just paint it.

[MadTripper]

Just wanted to toss another thought out there about a product I've seen. I'm kind of a fan of Eastwood for body and paint products. They seem to have a selection of decent products although my experience has mainly been with their powder coating items. I just got an email today on their Chassis Black product which I may give a shot.

http://www.eastwood.com/specialty-coati ... aints.html

They also have some rust preventers/converters. Basically, anything you would want for finish work and even tools like plasma cutters and welders. I don't get any kickbacks but they have been decent with me. Warning...once you order you get catalogs and emails regularly...which may lead to purchasing items you don't really need!

Tripper

[Sierra Patrol]

Just wanted to toss another thought out there about a product I've seen. I'm kind of a fan of Eastwood for body and paint products. They seem to have a selection of decent products although my experience has mainly been with their powder coating items. I just got an email today on their Chassis Black product which I may give a shot.

http://www.eastwood.com/specialty-coati ... aints.html

They also have some rust preventers/converters. Basically, anything you would want for finish work and even tools like plasma cutters and welders. I don't get any kickbacks but they have been decent with me. Warning...once you order you get catalogs and emails regularly...which may lead to purchasing items you don't really need!

Tripper

I received the same e-mail, but I have not read it yet.

[bosque]

Even tough I had alot of problems, they were fixed and I am happy. I bought the Eastwood Mig 175 and a spool gun. I did have to send back every item due to shipping or factory damage or/and a cheapass grinder needed swapping after 2 weeks...burnt out. I think they did not make a dime on my sale with all the extra shipping they paid for. The weak link to the eastwood mig is the gun...el cheapo where the head can pivot making undue friction on the outfeed wire. They replaced that too...just sent a new one and told me to keep the old one...which I have since semi-fixed for parts.
One major item to add to your cost is the 220 power additions if you do not have. If I were going to do it again I would but because of my budget. The lincoln is better miller even better but this is right for my no big production world.

[RiverPatrol]

I have used the Eastwood rust preventers/converters and the chassis black (see Togo's frame) and I am pleased with their products. Their rust inhibitor has been compared to POR-15 and stands up very well. I can say I used it on some bare and welded metal about 6 years ago, which has been sitting out unprotected ever since and still no signs of rust.