C3 Good ole powder coating.......

Kap142 · 03-11-2010, 03:52 PM

For the ole crew ya'll know "Goldie" my 72 BB for you newer guys, Goldie is a numbers matching 72 BB, 4 speed and such. A couple of years ago I choose to change out the valve covers to 502 Chevy crate alum covers. I like um. Located a pair. Had them blasted and powder coated good ole Chevy Orange. Looked damn nice for a while but now they seem to show bubbling caused by either heat or the chemicals that they come into contact with and no the motor does not run hot (although thanks to Tracy she is one bad azz motor).

My question is. How do I get the finish I want without the bubbling or powder coating failure I seem to experience? Is the problem the prep for the powder coating, the actual coating or what?

What do you say gang?

zzzona · 03-12-2010, 07:43 AM

Hey Ken.I hope you and Kerry are doing well. I still lurk in the shadows but don't post as much. I had some work done by. http://www.brotherspowdercoating.com/

They did a great job and were recomended by some guys from the other forum.. If you give them a call they might be able to answer your question....

Dave..............

Kap142 · 03-12-2010, 10:29 AM

Thanks Dave, I'll do just that. They're over in your neck of the woods yes?

Just shot um an email. They seem to do some beautiful work.

shakedown067 · 03-12-2010, 12:22 PM

The aluminum used for the valve covers may be porous and letting off gases when they heat up. They'll need to be sealed properly then powdercoated. Probably a similar issue the C4 guys have with the magnesium valve covers. Never heard of aluminum doing that, but that's what it sounds like is happening, to me anyway. Say, are you sure they are actually aluminum?

Kap142 · 03-12-2010, 03:16 PM

Shakedown the very best answer I can give is an "I think so".

I was wondering if maybe the metal was not properly cleaned prior to the coating or maybe the PC was not of the best quality. I have no idea. I love the look of sharp PC but when it goes bad it's just another crappy finish.

shakedown067 · 03-12-2010, 03:38 PM

I've heard of the BrothersPC from another forum as well. I'm sure they'll get them looking nice for a long time....It is amazing what just a couple of thumb prints can do to a paint job. Hopefully, that's all it is and they get them fixed up in a jiffy for you.

Kap142 · 03-25-2010, 03:26 PM

Hummmm just a dumb azz thought. What's the difference between powder coating and ceramic coating?

shakedown067 · 03-25-2010, 03:30 PM

Ceramic Coating will hold in heat. Usually reserved for headers so they don't heat up the engine bay. I wouldn't recommend that for valve covers as you want them to dissipate heat.

Kap142 · 03-25-2010, 04:45 PM

Ya know the thought that crosses my mind is. Factory valve covers never seem to bake, bubble or such but after market finishes don't seem to be of the same quality. How do I acquire (at a reasonable price) a very good quality finish?

shakedown067 · 03-25-2010, 04:57 PM

Mmm, not sure on the C3's. Most of the C4's have a raw finish and if they are colored I believe they are an anodized type of finish. I'd think the C3's would just be a baked on enamel finish. Hard as hell and can take some heat. Don't quote me on that though. Just a slightly educated guess. Maybe give Tracy a buzz over at RevXtreme. He deals with a lot of older vettes.