Powder coating

[les]

I’ll be rebuilding a front and rear subframe from a Mini for a good friend of mine, I’m thinking of getting the bare subframes powder coated along with the associated suspension components. However I’m wondering if there are any drawbacks to this approach. I’m thinking of the relative thickness of the coating compared to paint and how that might effect bolting up parts that should be metal to metal, with paint it’s just a case of removing certain areas if necessary.

[Bill_qaz]

I would agree Les no good on clamped surfaces as it will crack and fret and is a pain if it gets into any threads. Good anti rust primer and good old enamel tractor paint

[les]

Thanks Bill, I can cover the thread issue, its the other points that make me wonder. My friend initiated this coating idea and must admit I agreed, however I’ve yet to discuss this development with him. Actually its been years since last rebuilding Mini stuff, and I can’t recall for certain what issues there might be.

[Bill_qaz]

Yes had it on bikes where the thickness of the coating is a problem when one component fits between two surfaces, by the time you have 4 thicknesses of coating it will not fit and had to grind off coating

[les]

Yes, I’m going to look into the areas where you mention components fitting between two coated surfaces, a valid point Bill. I’m sure this is a problem worth noting, it’s starting to feel like paint is going to be a safer bet.

[les]

Just spoken to my pal, he got the point of what has been mentioned. However he told me that Minispares supply both new subframes, which are, in fact, powder coated. So I left the decision with him, hopefully if there were any issues, they would have been raised by buyers. The suspension parts to be fitted may be better with paint though.

[Bill_qaz]

Good luck with it whichever way it goes. Recently built series 1 landy on a new supplied galvanised chassis and even that needed a few tweeks. I think people except issues and don't comment, all part of the rebuild process.