Cosmetics

[Fspp369]

Hello all..I’m no metallurgist so here goes.
I’m thinking of taking advantage of the “strip down” in lock down, do do a little cosmetic work. I’m not doing the full concourse prep thing, to this effect I’m thinking of getting stuff powder coated here and there, simply because I can, knowing the torsion bars are hardened and tempered, would the near300deg C process have any effect on them ? I suspect not, but there forum members whom I’m sure who could give me a definitive answer. Perhaps more importantly would the grit blasting process impart a tendency to initiate micro cracks due to the rough CLA that it produces.?
Nitromors and red oxide may rule yet!
If I said I’m thinking of doing things silver rather than black everywhere what the response...be gentle with me!

Peter

[mgcjag]

Hi Peter.....your car do what you want......but in my oppinion powder coat is not tne best way to go on anything under a car......its super tough but can crack..then moisture gets in and it starts to peal off......far better to paint...which can be touched up if required...also consider zinc/nickle plating suspension parts.....99% of members her on the forum paint and plate.........Steve

[Fspp369]

Steve,
Yes it is, but knowledge is never wasted. I’ve used black implement enamel before....just wondered.
Plating, well that’s another question, my,experience with the RREC is that for some parts plating can be a problem, particularly in the case of stressed tempered parts due to Hydrogen embrittlement, which agreed can be mitigated against but .... !!

[christopher storey]

I had my torsion bars powder coated well over 10 years ago and they are still like new. Since they are not really in the line of fire for stone chips etc, the risk of peeling which Steve mentions is very small . That risk, however, is much greater for those items which may be bobmbarded by small stones on the road

[1954Etype]

We always blast and wet paint the torsio bars. Regarding powder coating peeling, ours is always primed first so any chips stay as chips. I’ve only seen it peel when the colour is applied over the bare metal.

[71 V12]

Hi Peter,

I had my torsion bars shot blasted and powder coated about 15 years ago now and still as good as when first done. I masked off the splines with duct tape before powder coating. I think I had them done by the same company you mentioned in another post down Bayton Road. They did (perhaps still do) a lot of automotive work for sub suppliers to JLR, so their process and materials are up to the appropriate specs.

They also did the splash shields, the rear cage and numerous other parts.

The front suspension was all BZP and also still looks good.

Cheers,

Kevin

[Fspp369]

Bayton Road is a really popular with local restorers.
They do respect wishes and do their best for the "little guy". Added to that.sensible prices. What's not to like ?
Some of the big names in "CAT".restoration use them.