Just tore my sled down today to start on a list of changes/fixes. One being getting my rear skid powder coated. planning on taking it to a local guy who does it as sort of a side job. Wanting advice from people who have done it so I know what to look for and what to do correctly so that everything goes back together right. Any advice and help is much appreciated! Thanks everyone!
Powder coating skid advice.
- Thread starter Iske20
- Start date
I had my rails, spindles, all raw aluminum tubes in the skid, and outer tubes on the running boards coated. Just make sure your buddy who 'does it on the side' knows what the heck he's doing. I wouldn't take it there. It must be done at low temps. Some people think low temp is still too hot for rails. I haven't had any problems - they don't seem to be more bendy to me.
Anything that's plastic will melt in the oven so it's gotta come off. All bolt holes have to be covered. It does add some to length/width so for tight tolerances (read spindles) some sanding may be involved when you get it back.
Anything that's plastic will melt in the oven so it's gotta come off. All bolt holes have to be covered. It does add some to length/width so for tight tolerances (read spindles) some sanding may be involved when you get it back.
I think most standard powders bake in the 350-400 degree range. Aluminum looses temper above 2012 degrees. So the trick is to put it in the oven just long enough for the powder to melt and cure together on the surface without the aluminum ever actually getting that hot. Then pull it out of the oven right away.
I guess I'm a little worried now. I don't know the guy personally but I have a buddy I know had his A-arms done and they turned out great. I'm mostly aware of having the bolts holes covered. Does any one recommend not having this guy do it or just not do it all together? The next closest powder coater is about 2 hours away, I just want it done right and looking great.
There are quite a few threads on here on this topic.
Just some general advice from an old guy. Get some names of people who have had work done by him and talk to them. Sometimes it pays to get stuff done by someone who makes a living at it instead of on the side.
B
Bcorn
Well-known member
Good advice!
