Isn't powdercoating grand?

[tomlewis]

I just got the frame and most of the suspension components for my '37 President back from the powdercoater. This stuff looks great and for a price that I don't think I could paint it myself. I didn't have the rear end or shocks done because I didn't pull the seals in the rear end and I wasn't sure what would happen to them in the oven. I'll paint those things myself. I have to get this back together ASAP because I don't want it hanging around the garage getting dinged up as separate pieces, and I don't have the room to protect them as separate pieces. As soon as I can get the wheels painted and the new tires mounted I'll have a chassis to roll around again. Depending on the engine rebuild, I might have a chassis to bring to Dover. Tom

[Chris Pile]

Extra special nice.
Bet it cost grand, too.

[rockne10]

Never tried it but, how does the powder coating hold up on springs?

[candbstudebakers]

doesn't look like much Studebaker parts there, what am I missing?

[starliner62]

I would also like to know how it holds up on springs. I do a fair amount of powder coating and it does not like to flex.

[studefan]

I just talked to a powder coater. He said slight flexing like in wheels/rims is OK. Items with more flexing and bending tend to crack. He didn't clearly define "more" when I asked.

[kamzack]

Tom,
Parts look great. I've had good experience with many powder coated parts on my Hudson. It was in fact cheaper than I could have painted and I believe it will hold up longer. I'd venture a wager that the powder coating on the leaf springs will last longer than paint. Everyone needs a little encouragement from time to time.
Kim

[alaipairod]

Good luck on the powder coated springs.
My PC Guy refuses to do this process on any part that will flex.
He tells me that the process is like putting porcelain on cast iron sinks, and that any hit or flex on the part will result in coating damage.

[jclary]

It has been years since I was selling powder coating systems. I'm sure, like all things, powder manufacturers are constantly improving the performance of their products. You could contact a powder coating manufacturer's rep and get up to speed on the latest. Companies like Akzo Nobel, Sherwin Williams, Spraylat, TCI, and Tiger Drylac, come to mind. There are "thermoplastic" and "thermoset" powders, with epoxy, polyester, acrylic, and fluoropolymer composition. I did not sell powder, just the equipment to apply it. The reps were usually happy to accompany me, provide samples, and discuss the advantages of their products. For a backyard restorer, check with your local powder seller. He could get you in touch with the factory rep, or pass your questions on to him.

A good example of what kind of information you could gain is Epoxy. Lots of folks think of epoxy as the ultimate coating. However, it can't hold up to UV rays and therefore is only good for applications where it is out of direct sunlight, or used as an under-coat with a top-coat of another type of material.

[JBOYLE]

Some people feel powder coating can hide cracks and corrosion...and therefore don't like the stuff of critical items.
A friend who is a professional engineer as well as an award winning antique aircraft (Staggerwing Beech, many Stearmans, Boeing 40, WACO) restorer has told me he would use it on critical parts like an engine mount.

[tomlewis]

I'll keep a close watch on the springs after I get everything together but it will probably be a while before I re-assemble the car and get enough weight on the suspension to flex the springs. After I'm able to drive it for a while I'll report here if I see anything.

Bob--I guess you missed everything. These parts are 100% original 1937 Studebaker President. Tom

[Warren Webb]

I'm impressed not only with how good everything looks but how massive that frame is! I would have thought it came from a truck, especially rugged looking compared to later Stude frames.

[rockne10]

Bob--I guess you missed everything. These parts are 100% original 1937 Studebaker President.

Sometimes you need to cut the newbies a little slack. Remember, this was already an antique before Bob was born!

[clonelark]

I had the wheels on my 47 Crosley PU powder coated orange, they look terrific and so easy to clean.
Tires mounted so easy. I'm sure you'll be glad you had the powder coating done.

[JRoberts]

Starliner62 powder coated the wheels on my Cruiser. They look great and like clonelark said they are easy to clean (when I get around to it).