Projects Powder Coating on a Traditional hot Rod?

I'm beginning a build on a 40's-style Hot Rod. For many previous restorations/builds, I've had the frames and other chassis parts powder coated. I have reservations about powder coating on a nostalgic type of Hot Rod, because obviously powder coating didn't exist in the 40's. It's a superior finish to paint, but I'm not sure it's appropriate in this situation. What do you guys think?

 

I don't have a problem with powder coating. HRP

 

I am ok with it.

 

If you like that modern plastic crap, then do it. I have no use for it, myself. But I'm weird.

 

Whos going to know???

 

If you are already planning compromises now, this is how to end up with a Y2K clowncar.

 

Exactly,unless you tell someone it's powder coat no one will know.

I've never used it on ether one of my Deuces. HRP

 

Paint it. With a brush.

 

Guess it depends on how anal you wanna go as far as traditional goes.
One positive is that those parts will last a lot longer, than if painted.
I have no problems with the idea.

 

You're overthinking this. You would have to tell people that it is powder coated.

 

That's the problem. Runs, scratches, chips, etc are what make an old car an old car.

 

I dont have runs in my powder coat but Ive sctatched and chipped it so really you wouldnt know it from paint.

 

The "Ranch Wagon" is not a traditional build but I used powder coating on the air ducts and inner fenders mainly to help hide all the pitting and avoid a ton of body work on parts that will never be seen after the fenders were installed. HRP

 

I'm alright with powder coat. But what do I know, I like radial tires

 

We are painting less and less and powder coating more and more. So much easier, you drop off rusty parts and they come back nice and shiny a week later. It also maintains better and cleans up easier.

My philosophy is, if you don't like power coating don't do it on your car, but don't tell me how to do mine.

Don

 

Paint. Actually asphaltum-based paint (Gilsonite), to match Henry's original spec...but then again, I iron my underwear.

There are some finishes that cannot be 'faked' with modern trickery...lacquer for instance (yeah I know it isn't as durable as modern bc/cc, but it's a prime option for the 1% wanting a true period finish)...modern enamels even leave much to be desired. "Finish" is something I have yet to achieve but am extremely passionate about...one of those 'you know it when you see it' type things; and I've yet to see modern chemistry capture the feel of the materials of our grandparents era.

But then again, you'll always have the masses that don't know or don't care enough to learn the difference. Those that do can spot it from a mile away. Like I said though, I iron my undies...where are my meds?

 

Do you use Argo starch on your drawers Gary? HRP

 

What a Maroon, what an ignoranimus.


Powder coating is just fine.

 

Not acceptable. Brush paint only. Thinned with leaded gas only.

If you don't agree, you're not traditional.

 

Jiffy (scented)...it's period correct.

 

maybe it's just me, but I can usually tell powder coating from paint.

Now this needs to be something I see in person, and it doesn't become obvious on all parts, and definitely becomes less noticable as you assemble things. But it has a different look than paint to my eyes.

 

Effing 1%-er.

 

I've seen some powdercoated pieces that I wouldn't have known weren't painted, but I've seen a few where I could tell. Powdercoat doesn't "lay" quite the same as paint. I guess I wouldn't rag on a guy for using it, and in most cases I would probably never notice. But if you're really trying to nail the look, I'd stick with paint.

 

Hey, I'm not saying it's bad. I would use it if durability was a concern.....and yes. personally I like inferior paint products that age poorly.

All I am saying is that I can tell.

But i'm a hoodlum asshole...so...

 

I painted the frame of my model A with rustoleum back in the 80's,that's what my dad and uncle used on their cars in the 50's. and it's held up fine, along with the now 30 year old lacquer on the body.

 

We need to print up t-shirts or something...

 

Already done...they say "HAMB" or "The Jalopy Journal"...just waiting for the rest of the folks to realize it

 

Is it ok if I don't hold my breath on that one? I'm over fifty, it could be fatal!

 

My only issue with powder coating is that on a hot rod you drive you usually end up making changes along the way and while paint is somewhat easy to touch up I haven't figured out if a powder coated part is that easy to redo.

 

Same here, I can paint, the powder coating is part of the 1-800 deal IMO. Bob