2 replies to this topic

[ings]

This season, I'm focusing on rebuilding the front. I've decided to test out Cerakote, a new epoxy coating that can withstand temperatures over 1000°C and also serves as a rust protector. I'll see how it performs and share updates in a few years on how well it holds up.

 

So out with the greasy, nasty old subframe:

 

Brake fluid leaks have dissolved the old layers of paint:

 

 

 

All suspension parts were degreased, sandblasted, cleaned in an ultrasonic bath, and coated with Cerakote in Burnt Bronze:

 

 

And of course, the suspension parts are getting brand-new OEM bearings and seals from Minispares:

 

For me, bronze and green are a perfect match:

 

 

I wasn’t as experimental with the subframe, so I had it traditionally powder-coated in glossy bronze  by a professional company:

 

Once everything is assembled, it’s a true masterpiece. Everything is rust-free, grease-free, and all the rubber parts are wonderfully flexible and sealed again, here also i upgraded everithing to the Minispares adjustable suspension:

 

I ditched the old rubber mounts and upgraded to the solid mount kit from Minispares. It fits like a glove, and the aluminum finish looks fantastic!

 

 

Next up are the interesting parts for Cerakote: engine components that get pretty hot. I'm curious to see how Cerakote holds up on the exhaust manifold. In any case, the manifold looks better than ever:

 

 

[Rubbershorts]

That's a really nice colour for those type of components. It looks classy how it contrasts with the black of the rubbers. My LCB is a couple of months old and really rusty already so it'll be interesting to see how it holds up on yours. Is the product only available in spray, or is there a brush on alternative?

 

Daz.

[ings]

Cerakote is not particularly easy for DIY use and is not inexpensive. All parts must be thoroughly sandblasted and degreased using a significant amount of acetone.

 

Application requires a spray gun and is applied in an extremely thin layer (0,005 to 0,025 Millimeter).

The material is very fluid (more then water) and cannot be applied in any other way. Additionally, it contains highly toxic solvents (such as 4-Chlorobenzotrifluoride), making the use of high-quality respiratory protection mandatory, even when working outdoors. Brushing is not an option due to its low viscosity.

 

Some of the cerakote products need also a postbake at 120- 260°C for 2h... Which makes it even more complicated.
 

Edited by ings, Yesterday, 01:18 PM.