How many of you have used auto paint for your frames instead of powder coat?

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I'm on a budget and with all i wanted to get, powder coat is a little out of my financial reach right now. Just wondered if any other are out there in the same boat. Am I going to get heckled because my frame isn't powdered?


So Far I'm rebuilding the top end, lapping the valves, touching up and cleaning up any clutch levers, brake lever etc. New seat cover, new plastics and various things. Doing all this has exhausted my money supply and so i don't have the extra for powder coating at this time. I will do it in the future but do you guys think I should just sit on it for, who nows how long, and wait to get it powedered or go ahead and ride and enjoy it?

[outtaline]

It will work just scratch easier it looks better when new but wears out fast screw the guys that laugh these things were ment to ride or are you trying to make a show queen

[Tecate 50]

Mine is powder coated, there is pros and cons with powder coat. This stuff is thick and strong, but can be difficult when its time to reassemble, not to mention running a tap through everthing with threads. Do what you can and afford. My buddy has a top notch tecate with a painted frame. Hell it looks better than mine thats powder coated. My next build will be paint.....by far cheaper in materials, and in my opinion will probably be easier to work with.

[KASEY]

all my stuff is painted,,,, i use acrylic enamel ,, with hardner,,, works great for me,,,,,,,

[Daddio]

Everything of mine and 1upfronts is automotive paint. It works great, looks great and you can touch it up very easily if you get a scratch or chip. Just save some paint out before you put hardener in it. I usually use single stage urethane. Acrylic enamel works great also. For me it's the only way to go,.....I work in a bodyshop and I do all of my own painting.

[Hoosier_Daddy]

Thanks for the info and bout of confidence guys.

[NewfieBish]

I painted the frame of my old 200S, and I must say, it was really easy to do and lasted as well, the only thing about when i done it i used crappy paint, the paint that kasey and daddio used is defenitely better. I'm glad I seen this thread haha, cuz really soon im doin my 250R and i actually planned to use paint and do it myself as i dont have an oven or whatever, thanks for the ideas guys

[tecat-z]

I always use Martin Senior auto paint sprayed out of a gun. I've painted all of the 3wheeler frames around my area, except one....... Powder is too hard and fractures easily with off road use. Paint tends too dent more when impacted. Powder is fine for on road use, but it's just so dam thick!!!! It also holds lots of heat, if used on engine and cooling related items. Quality paint is your best bet.

[Hoosier_Daddy]

I'm just glad i'm not going to be an outcast because i don't make a gazillion a year and can get my stuff powder coated then when it gets a little nick, go get it powder coated again. At least with paint, i can touch it up. Mu 350 is slowly coming together. i'll have pics after it's done but i think you guys will like it. It's looking good.

I put the tecate on the back burner for now and i'm picking up parts here and there for it. People hoard T3 parts and you can't find anythng good anymore so the time it takes me to make my T3 half way decent, I will have time to build an entire 350x that will look and run great. To say i don't have deep pockets is a vast understatement.

[BigRed_Ryno]

I've not had much to do with powder coating, but from what people say its great, until it chips off and moisture gets under it? I dont know, i've not used it. I work for a company that constructs motorway gantries, which have a garranteed 25 year paint system, so the frames get the same treament (done 20 odd in the last 2 years for friends etc...) Shot-blast, Alu-metal spray (keys it down for primer) then the 2 pack/epoxy primer. Its a thick heavy paint, but with some wet & dry, and some elbow grease, it comes up lovely and flat, ready to prime and paint with automobile paint. It goes off VERY hard, and even if you did manage to chip it, it still doesn't rust, due to the Aluminium metal spray Sure the process takes a while, but we've yet to have any problems with it

[AutoXer]

I used krylon on mine did the prep and primer and paint and clear and it seems to be pretty hard (1/4 the cost of powder) I'm real happy with it. Yes if I was doing a show piece powder would be the only way to go for me but for a nice trail bike paint is fine

[WIkid500]

Mine is painted GM red with a clear coat. Sure it might chip a little easier but I plan on riding mine and that's what's going to happen. She's a show boat that's going to be ridden like the town tramp... Hard.

[SYKO]

all mine are auto paint

martin senour
except my racer it was HOK candle apple

all have held up well, while not as strong as powdercoat it still worked well

[oscarmayer]

yea, if it's a rider, then paint it, if it's a show peice, then powder it is what I have always done. cars are the same. if it was a used peice, we painted it, if it was for show, we powdered.

[Dirtcrasher]

I like paint just as well but you may find it close to the same cost. Good paint, hardner, reducer, primer, clear and all the other supplies can be costly.

Powder is NOT the forever coating some people feel it is, but it is nice though