I have my truck disassembled to put on the lift and Thuren stuff. I have been trying to decide what the best looking/lasting coating for all of the new parts and my front axle would be. Time is not an issue because I have another vehicle to use. I was thinking about powdercoating and then linexing everything. I want this to turn out really nice and last a long time so that was my idea. What do you guys think?

 

Depending upon the parts, sandblast/bead blast, use something like PPG galvaprep/metalprep, then PPG DP-90 epoxy primer. It is satin black. It is UV sensative (so they say), but under a truck I don't think would be a problem. That would be your biggest bang for the buck, if you have spray equipment.

Otherwise, I would just prep as mentioned then linex coat them or powder coat, but not both. Only paint the driveshafts, no linex there.

You might consider buying a powder coating unit from say harbor freight. It's a cheap unit, but ok for occasional use. This will only work with smaller parts, as I can't see you getting leaf springs in the oven . But it will work great for the smaller parts, and it will pay for itself.

http://da.harborfreight.com/cpisearch/web/search.do

 

1) Rust Bullet
2) Powdercoat or epoxy paint

 

May be some better solutions but when I restored all the suspension components on my 68 firebird, I used por-15. Everything has to be cleaned really well, use denatured alcohol to finish prep. The product uses ambient moisture to cure. I don't have any chips and it still looks as good as new, albeit the car is not a daily driver.

My only beef is that its expensive. The product cannot handle uv exposure so use it where the sun don't shine

For springs I used plasticoat engine enamel (ford red) and light exposure to forced air K1 heater to cure the enamel. Held up really nice...

Even using a semi-gloss spray paint (spray into the cap or dish and apply with a sponge brush). Not as durable but you can touch up once a year or so... very cost effective. No matter what you use you have to prep the surface.

http://www.por15direct.com/

 

http://www.por15direct.com/
Por 15 chassis Black is a good product that looks factory

 

I just talked to a couple line-x shops and they said that bare steel is best to apply the coating to so if I go that route then definitely no powdercoat first. One shop quoted me $300 for everything so I'll have to decide whether it is worth it. I've read alot about POR and RB and have even used POR a little bit, but I think the line-x might last longer.

 

Sorry to get a bit off topic but I was wondering If powder coating is the most durable coating to use? (without worring about the cost)

 

MUD!!!!!!
assorted parts from imports that get stuck

 

Couple of rattle cans of Krylon?