18 replies to this topic

[Louise]

I'm soon to be starting work on my mini again, hes in the garage ready for work! One idea ive been toying with is getting the subframes sand blasted and powder coated, because it gives a good looking finish but also should protect the metal work quite well.

Who's done this already? And how much did it cost?

Thanks
Louise

[oliver122]

its been done , the only problem with powder coat is it can chip quite easily , and when it does it starts to bubble , that the only downside

[jameswhiles]

Had my rear subby done 2 years ago and still hasn't flaked/chipped/started to go rusty like lots of people say they will and its used all year round doing a 40 mile round trip to college. Think it cost about £50 to have it zinc coated and powder coated

[charliedurrant]

Louise,

As James said ... But get it galvanised not electro-plated. Galvanising is dipping it in molten zinc and the resultant coating is very thick as compared zinc electroplating.

Charlie

[Louise]

ahh thanks guys

We've had a few sets of wheels powder coated for track cars and they are all still looking like new, and the place we got them all done is pretty cheap, so i'll probs send the subframes off and see what happens, it cant do any harm really I guess, I just wondered it many people did do it etc.

[Louise]

Louise,

As James said ... But get it galvanised not electro-plated. Galvanising is dipping it in molten zinc and the resultant coating is very thick as compared zinc electroplating.

Charlie

Yeah I'd not even thought of that, don't know why not. How much do you recon that would cost to get both of them done?

[corrado vr6]

In this topic I posted a pic of my subframe after being powder coated although it hasn't been on there long I've had other things powder coated before with no issues after plenty of abuse lol HTH Greg
http://www.theminifo...l=&fromsearch=1

Edited by corrado vr6, 19 December 2011 - 12:25 AM.

[charliedurrant]

Louise,

As James said ... But get it galvanised not electro-plated. Galvanising is dipping it in molten zinc and the resultant coating is very thick as compared zinc electroplating.

Charlie

Yeah I'd not even thought of that, don't know why not. How much do you recon that would cost to get both of them done?

I recently had around 200kg of steel in various forms coated but pricing is done on weight before and after. Prices can vary weekly as zinc prices are relatively unstable. I would take the subframes down and get a quote. I use medgalv in Kent as they powder coat awsell (ideally painting should be done ASAP and techniques /prep is different for zinc surfaces).

Sorry I can't give a price but my 200kg coated and painted was £250+vat

Note also that galvanising can give a rough finish

Charlie

[tiger99]

Extrapolating by weight, I guess two Mini subframes would be under £50 for galvanising. I don't know if powder coating would be necessary on top of a proper zinc coat. POR15 do some primers suitable for overcoating galvanising, and could be overpainted in an appropriate colour.

After galvanising, you will have to run a 5/16 UNF tap through the tapped holes for the outer radias arm brackets etc, and a die of appropriate size (can't remember what) on the threaded end of the rear mounts. Galvanising does clog up threads, but I think that is the only significant downside, on items which will not warp during the process.

If only we could have complete bodyshells galvanised.... But they would warp.

[charie t]

80's peugeots were galvanised bodys

[mini93]

who's actualy got powder coated subframes?? because the rally cars at work have had theirs powder coated, aswell as along of other bits. Dispite there being chips, scratches they havent rusted out nor has the whole lot chipped off. Id say go for it

[stevede]

Had mine done and 18 months on, they're still looking mighty fine









Cost me £50 for the 2. Blasted & coated.

Regards

Steve

[mini classic lover]

its been done , the only problem with powder coat is it can chip quite easily , and when it does it starts to bubble , that the only downside

sorry ill have to pull u on that one i work for a powder coating company and the only time it would bubble is if its to hot or the brake fluid or petrol has spilt on it however they do last longer than painting as long as its done properly and they do look good iv hadhalf a mini club down 4x4 club and the vw club and every bits been great thaught id let u know lol

[charliedurrant]

80's peugeots were galvanised bodys

I expect they were electroplated not galvanised.

I've used many different powder coaters over the years. Powder coating itself is not magic. It's a cheaper way of painting as it requires less skill. Rust prevention is due to the pre-treatments / preparation. A badly pre-treated piece of metal will rust. It all depends on the shop you go to and with paint more so than most other things (in my opinion) you get what you pay for.

Electro-plating is in my opinion a difficult process as surface prep is very important - note it's a water based solution and if drainage is poor it wil rust under the zinc.

Galvanising is relatively simple and gives a hard wearing (bash it with a hammer) surface that will last for many years. Holes will need to be re-tapped as said above as the zinc coating will be greater around lips. I have had 6mm holes in hinges completely filled with zinc...

Combining powder with galvanising is in my opinion thet best economical soution to rust prevention easily available...

Charlie

[Stevie W]

I've had both my front and rear subframes powder coated by a reputable local company who Cunard use to powder coat all their exterior light fittings for use on their cruise ships.

the company I use are very good and completely blast the frames before pre-treating with some kind of primer, then they are powder coated. I've had no problems at all with these frames, but do agree with what other have said about poorly applied powder coatings.

Cheers, Steve.