Cage coating

[Ceige85]

Hi folks

Doing an E30 project and finally getting the cage done. I had the shell blasted and painted with epoxy primer, they said the primer was one they use of all sorts of stuff that goes offshore etc. Anyway kids(twins) arrived and I haven’t touched the car in a year so the cage is a big step.

My question is with the cage going in obviously the welder will be buffing off primer and I’ll have to coat the cage in something to prevent rust. Would there be an issue using an etch primer to cover it in the short term then get round to applying more epoxy primer once all the other work is done? Or maybe use a zinc primer from bilt hamber say?

I’ll find out what the epoxy was if that’s going to help folks with answers.

Cheers

 

[norsa]

The most important thing is wire brushing the welds even before they have cooled to get the impurities out then I would use any paint you have to cover for the interim then wash it off before you epoxy. My normal routine when restoring is do a day of welding brushing and just brush on some non thinned epoxy which I subsequently flat back before the paint prep stage. Nick

 

[Ceige85]

Wash off the paint?? Will epoxy generally go over stuff like etch or red oxide paint?

 

[ajlelectronics]

Wash off the paint?? Will epoxy generally go over stuff like etch or red oxide paint?

It will, but it would be stupid to. Wipe off the paint with thinners, key and epoxy prime.

 

[norsa]

As above. Etch primer and red oxide have passed their sell by date and are superceded as they're both unstable.

 

[Ceige85]

Ok great, another somewhat daft one. If I get a fine day to tow it from the shop, is it worth washing it down with the cage bare then paint when back at my place?? I realise this is inviting rust but say I inhibited the water with atom mac. Apologies if I’m overthinking this all. Cheers

 

[ajlelectronics]

Ok great, another somewhat daft one. If I get a fine day to tow it from the shop, is it worth washing it down with the cage bare then paint when back at my place?? I realise this is inviting rust but say I inhibited the water with atom mac. Apologies if I’m overthinking this all. Cheers

Clean bare metal with thinners and then slow panel wipe. Once that has flashed, paint immediately.

 

[norsa]

Putting water on bare metal is never a good idea unless you can immediately dry it completely and prime