The problem with powder coating on virgin steel is that it can easily delaminate allowing moisture to get in and you know the rest. [5-Speeder mudguards/headlamp brackets etc, etc.]
While visiting a local low volume car manufacturer recently they explained how they have their chassis and suspension components shot blast before being powder coated. This gives the best possible adherence of the coating to the metal and has proven to be very robust.
As an aside, I must admit to being dismayed at the quality of the Super3 wishbone welding when visiting the factory in October. I suspect the parts are built down to a price when (considering the vehicle cost) they should they should be works of art, especially as they are on full view.
Never heard of electrophoretic coating before so went to the Googles;
"While e-coating can provide many of the same benefits, powder coating results in a thicker more durable finish. In addition, most e-coats are not UV stable, so powder coating lends increased protection to products that face exposure to the elements."
in other words they went with a cheaper, less durable option
I understood electrophoretic coating was more expensive as the chassis needs to be dipped into a tank of gloop. It also coats the inside of the tubes rather than just the bits the powder coat spray can get to.
ps before you all flame me I said "expensive" not "better" !!
The four wheeler trads swopped to electrophoretic instead of galvanised chassis, personally I'd far rather have a nice coating of hot dip zinc, the excuse at the time was the galvanising process distorted the metalwork...but as we know paint is way cheaper than hot dip galv
I would agree Jon although the excuse for switch from galvanising may have some credence given the tin foil thickness of chassis material.
Electrophoretic coating is far from perfect on later Morgan trad chassis though particularly close to bracing points. I regularly find tell tale signs of incipient rust in such nooks and crannies despite the process claims. Fortunately these show up well against the black underseal and get treated with aerosol applied black waxoil/underseal which does creep into where it's needed.
Richard
2018 Roadster 3.7 1966 Land Rover S2a 88 2024 Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450 1945 Guzzi Airone
I would agree Jon although the excuse for switch from galvanising may have some credence given the tin foil thickness of chassis material.
Electrophoretic coating is far from perfect on later Morgan trad chassis though particularly close to bracing points. I regularly find tell tale signs of incipient rust in such nooks and crannies despite the process claims. Fortunately these show up well against the black underseal and get treated with aerosol applied black waxoil/underseal which does creep into where it's needed.
The most important thing for powder coating and e-coatingis thorough preparation and cleaning of the metals. When powder coating, repulsive fields are created in corners due to the static charge. This must be carefully observed when coating with powder in order to achieve the correct coating thickness.
Last edited by bmgermany; 09/01/2310:15 PM.
2005 4/4 1800ccm Duratec and a lot of HONDA CX500.......
I swear by ACF-50, my whole car gets bathed in it including the engine and gearbox. 2013 car with zero rust. If low volume specialist car makers can do it why not Morgan, it's not like it is a disposable product.
If low volume specialist car makers can do it why not Morgan, it's not like it is a disposable product.
Quite.
IMO for the Super3 in particular they need to be aiming at achieving the fit, finish & materials of high end motorcycles. Not many super bikes would be going rusty after a few days use.
