mini subframe problem paint

[minicoopers]

I am trying to restore a Cooper S from 1965 to concourse condition and i have blasted the subframes and then given them to a sprayer to etch prime then prime and spray satin black as original I am finding that the satin will chip easily ( I think he used 2k).He says its because its satin and if he sprays it gloss or semi it would be tougher.I need to find out if there is any other way by perhaps applying more satin (which he says would not help???) without going to the trouble of somehow removing just the top coat (imposible on such a complex frame?) or etch prime again and repaint. Thanks

 

[piman]

Hello Minicoopers,

are you sure it should be satin black, from memory when new they were more of a semi gloss finish?
Whichever, as you say it is complex and difficult to remove the existing paint unless you want to blast clean it back to steel and start again?

Alec

 

[the snooper]

satin black is a semi gloss

 

[nodeward]

I know it it means starting from scratch but surely powder coat would be alot tougher, that is what I would use for subframes

 

[minicoopers]

subframe

Yes powder is tougher but it doesn't look right. Perhaps I'll try some hammerite Smooth satin on the underneath were it won't be seen. Does anyone think extra coats of satin would help?

 

[kelsham]

I think the only way to keep a Mini subframe from rusting is to continually keep painting and use a wax preservative on it. If you check and re apply such coatings each year it will last.
regards Kels.

 

[piman]

Hello Snooper,

maybe a terminology thing, but satin to me is at best just a sheen, but what I remember had a gloss, nothing special but of course it wasn't on show so finish was not important.
For a concours car though, it should be as near as original as possible.

Alec

 

[langy]

Just use 2k topcoat with a matting agent in it until you get the semi gloss you require, any half decent painter should know that.

I wouldn't powder coat as once the rust does get in (and it will) it will creep under the coating.

 

[steveo3002]

dont go using hammerite its nothing like as tough as 2pack

cant say ive ever noticed anything i did in matt/satin chipped easily , it should be good enough

 

[stuvy]

i used to work for a company that sold a paint protection film, you see it on the wide arches of porsches etc, BMW Mini approached the company to wrap the front crossmember i cant remember why they wanted it but it would have ment alot of faffing so we decided not too do it for them. The film is like a clear vinyl that you stick to the part required. Have a google as im not putting any work there way! its also been on concourse winning cars in the past so dont worry to much about it showing up

 

[pedrobedro]

i used to work for a company that sold a paint protection film, you see it on the wide arches of porsches etc

Anything like helicopter tape? They use it to protect paintwork on bikes and cars, put it in ebay search and it comes up with lots of hits.

 

[stuvy]

its a similar product but much better quality honestly it doesnt colour and is invisible if put on by someone who knows what there doing. Sour grapes but i wouldnt put any work there way as the boss is a plank

 

[philsmin]

I've used POR15 on my mini subframes and it's dried rock hard with a nice finish, could be over painted with satin black if you are going for a certain look. Never used it before so only time will tell if it;s any good.

Will also be getting a coat of clear waxoil prior to hitting the road.

 

[brightspark]

manor coatings hi build vinyl is decent stuff .can be painted on bare metal ans over galve without any surface preperation. it has a satin finish . they cover the full range of paints and coatings from floor paints comercial vehicles to tractor paint and stove enamels

 

[500e]

http://www.shipleypaint.co.uk/applications.php?area=historicVehicles
Good products

 

[mangocrazy]

its a similar product but much better quality honestly it doesnt colour and is invisible if put on by someone who knows what there doing. Sour grapes but i wouldnt put any work there way as the boss is a plank

I've Googled 'paint protection film' and just about everything that comes up is based on 3M Ventureshield (i.e. helicopter tape). Is the stuff your old firm supplies the 3M stuff or something else? (And if so, what? )

 

[stuvy]

you have pm, well in a few minutes atleast!

 

[500e]

It is the nooks & crannies you have to worry about the double skins wont have paint if sprayed, even with electrostatic, it will be better than normal spray, dip would be better still, a good wax based preservative will seep into all the hidden little places.
I hate powder coating !! a chip and the rust goes to work under neath the darn stuff by the time you notice it has spread like a rash.