I’m just about to epoxy the underside of my 40. The tool tray is based on an EMS part that appears to have some sort of silver plating on it. Anyone know what it is? Do I have to remove it, or can I prep and paint the same as bare steel? Thanks
I didn't take any chances and ground mine off. 36 followed by 80 followed by 150 then primer. Probably overdid it but you only go around once in life.
Almost has a cold zinc galvanized look to it. I have used multiple panels from them and I buzz them with 180 on the DA, then hit em with epoxy or dtm primer. Never have had a return so it works.
I questioned the EMS guy about it when I got the patch panels for my 53, he said it was an aluminized coating they use as a rust preventative. I ground it off on the places where I was going to do welding and like @Lloyd's paint & gl*** just hit it with 180 grit and primed away.
I’m not sure about painting, but I’ve migged up aluminumized exhaust with just scotch padding it clean. I don’t know if that’s a coating or some metal alloy mix, so may not be relevant
They’ve got a page on their website about paint prep, but seems very generic, no reference to the finish I’m thier panels.
I thought it looked like zinc, and have had issues with adhesion to zinc before, but sounds like it’s ok based on your experience, so this is what I’m going to do. Thanks for your input
the material is new 2020 grade automotive steel rust rust resistant, it done at the steel mill when the steel is red hot, it can't be ground off as it is melted into the steel, no zinc is used. the steel is designed for mig welding and spot welding, gas welding and tig will give you problems, although a scuff with 120 grit is good for paint adhesion
I like to chemical prep ****. Most worry about flash rust, I don't. Just dry it fast and wipe it off. Hard to beat the finality and deep detail etch of a good metal prep. No fails yet but it's only been about 30 years...
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