Treatment for car subframe

[mangocrazy]

I have a 30 year old Lancia Beta (cue all the old rust jokes) that is in very good condition, due to being Waxoyled from new. Later this year I'm intending to remove the motor and completely overhaul it and while it's out I'm thinking about rust-proofing the subframe, mainly because I can.

It was the subframe mounting to the chassis that was the problem with the early Betas (all either fixed under warranty or a generous allowance given against a new Beta, by the way) and so it seems to make sense to protect it as best I can.

I'm planning on getting the whole subframe blasted and hot-dip galvanised, followed by coating with either epoxy mastic, powder coating or underbody sealant.

What does the team think? Any preferences?

 

[steveo3002]

galv sounds good , is it hefty enough not to warp ?

 

[BChild]

Powder coat

Did the monza subframe 5 years ago - still looks like new

Hard wearing and durable and cheap

I've had specific bits done with hot zinc spray but mainly mild steel exhausts and manifolds where I wanted to keep them from rusting - it's good but expensive compared to powder coatings

 

[mangocrazy]

galv sounds good , is it hefty enough not to warp ?

Not thought about that. It's hefty enough to take the weight of the suspension and the front engine mounting, so I would think so.

But I will check...

 

[rtbcomp]

If you have it powder coated in Sheffield, go to a well established firm

 

[mangocrazy]

For preference I'd have it galvanised, as it's more durable than powder and isn't exactly in a visible area. I've had very variable results with powder coating - some excellent, some a complete waste of time, so I take the point about a well-established firm.

 

[M@tt]

if you want it blasting then I've used Norwood Blasting in Killamarsh, they did my convertible hood frame. Or even our very own rtbcomp ^^.

My mate makes uprated torsion bars and he has them powder coated at Express Coatings which is just by the wicker on the one way system.

 

[piman]

Hello Mangocrazy,

I would prefer to galvanise if I wanted it to last for ever, just ensure that all boxed sections, if any, have drain holes (8 - 10mm). To me it's just a waste of money to powder coat as well; either one or the other. If you want a nice finish just use some galvanise primer and machinery black paint.

Alec

 

[mangocrazy]

Yes, I'm doing a fair bit of work to it with the view that I want it to last me for the forseeable future. So I think galv is the only game in town. I'd probably settle for a quick lick of black paint or car underbody sealer on top of the galv and that should do it, I think. I'll need to check, but I think the structure is pretty open - plenty of draniage for the molten galv.

And I'm aware of rtbcomp's blasting skills - he did a set of bike brake rotors and carriers a couple of years ago for me and they came up an absolute treat...

 

[rtbcomp]

I vaguely remember those brake bits, didn't realise it was you!

I thought I'd better not advertise because I'd have to moderate my own post for spamming

 

[mangocrazy]

Indeed - who moderates the moderators...

I had the carriers black-coated and the rotors zinc passivated and they came out looking absolutely like new. Very well pleased with them.

 

[Chickenjohn]

I have a 30 year old Lancia Beta (cue all the old rust jokes) that is in very good condition, due to being Waxoyled from new. Later this year I'm intending to remove the motor and completely overhaul it and while it's out I'm thinking about rust-proofing the subframe, mainly because I can.

It was the subframe mounting to the chassis that was the problem with the early Betas (all either fixed under warranty or a generous allowance given against a new Beta, by the way) and so it seems to make sense to protect it as best I can.

I'm planning on getting the whole subframe blasted and hot-dip galvanised, followed by coating with either epoxy mastic, powder coating or underbody sealant.

What does the team think? Any preferences?

Blast the subframe, then galvanised. Then I would waxoyl it (or use a better brand of underbody wax). A 30 year old Beta in good condition still, is a great advert for the benefits of underbody wax!

 

[mangocrazy]

Yes, blast plus galvanise it is. The subframe should last the lifetime of the car then.

 

[rtbcomp]

B&Q do a primer that's suitable for galvanised if you want to smarten it up.

 

[mangocrazy]

B&Q do a primer that's suitable for galvanised if you want to smarten it up.

That sounds like a plan. A bright silver subframe might look a bit odd. Something more restrained (i.e. black) might be a better finish.