Removing the Old Top Depending on the condition of the convertible top that you are working on, the cross bow listings may have already come loose from the inside top decking. The cross bow listings are the last remaining items that are holding the convertible top material to the frame. To remove the old convertible […]
How to Create Patina on Metal
Metal is the primary substrate in which we may want to instigate rust to create a patina effect. Rusty metal is the foundation for many automotive fauxtina (man-made patina) projects, and the aesthetic foundation of the entire “Rat-Rod” style of custom car building in the automotive aftermarket. The act of taking a decades-worn vehicle and […]
Complete Power Coating Procedure Guide
You’ve performed the preparation work, the wiring, the endless parts cleaning, and the setup in your powder booth. Now you’re finally ready to apply powder! The truth of the matter: This is by far the easiest part of the process and the most fun. If you make a mistake or smudge the part, you can […]
Powder Coating: Supplies, Equipment and Preparation Guide
Powder coating requires substantially more investment in equipment and preparation than simply painting a part, but the results are worth it. When you have set up your powder coating area and prepped your first pieces for coating, it’s finally time to apply powder, place the piece into the curing oven, and realize some of those […]
Powder Coating: How to Clean and Repair Specific Metals
Most items to be cleaned for powder coating are made of iron, steel, or aluminum. A variety of other metals are also used, including brass and copper. This Tech Tip is From the Full Book, POWDER COATING: A HOW-TO GUIDE FOR AUTOMOTIVE AND MOTORCYCLE PARTS. For a comprehensive guide on this entire subject you can […]
Powder Coating: Parts Cleaning Equipment Guide
As with any process, you can choose from an array of equipment, based on your available space and your needs. The sky’s the limit on cost, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. A simple benchtop parts washer or a used dishwasher is quite afford-able, and if you can get away with it, a good […]
Powder Coating: Mechanical Parts Cleaning Guide
This type of parts cleaning includes both manual and motorized cleaning methods; no chemicals are involved. In addition to wire and nylon brushes, you want to have a couple of scrapers on hand to remove caked grime. A good putty knife works well for surfaces where scratches don’t matter. Otherwise consider a plastic spatula. […]
Powder Coating: Chemical Parts Cleaning Guide
When you set out to create any kind of finish, you learn that your prep work is the most important factor in getting good results. When it comes to powder coating, extreme cleanliness is absolutely critical. It’s easy to understand: If there’s any oil or dust on the item you’re trying to coat, that material […]
How to Create a Power Coating Workspace
If you want to achieve good results with powder coating, there are a few requirements that are common to any workshop-based process, and a few things that are specific to setting up a successful powder coating shop. The difference between having and not having these things is not that you can’t do the work, or […]
Automotive Bodywork: Repairing Collision Damage in a Decklid
This job is to repair the lower area of the rear decklid from a 1937 Chevrolet sedan. The original panel was punched in by impact from another vehicle hitting it from the rear. Most of the damage was to the right side of the decklid, but some damage also occurred to the center and on […]