• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

C3 Good ole powder coating.......

Kap142

Kap142

New member
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?:shrug01:
 
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....:icon_cheers:
Dave..............
 
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.:thumbsup:
 
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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?
 
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.
 
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.
 
Hummmm just a dumb azz thought. What's the difference between powder coating and ceramic coating?
 
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.
 
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?
 
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.
 
OK finally made it to Brothers Powder Coating and learned from (brother) Steve that the valve covers were never properly prepped prior to powder coating. So I'm having them re-do someone Else's poor quality work.

Am trying to decide on a near Chevy Orange or a very creative and beautiful (totally non original)l finish called "Moon Dust Orange" A pearl over orange that is OMG sharp. Yep probably gonna have to get out there and do it 'cause I like it.

No worries my "original" brothers every original part is saved.

I'll update later and Dave, thanks:D
 
THIS THREAD IS USLESS WITHOUT PIX!!!!!!
Keep us updated on the progress and let us see the final results.
Might be nice to see some before and after pix.
Good luck with the re-powder coat Ken.
We'll be in Florida this Friday for Steak-Out '10 at the Stean & Shake
on SR 580 in Clearwater. Look us up if you, Carrie, and Goldie are there.
Andy and Dotty.
 
Hey Andy, as always good to hear from you.

We wont make Stake Out this year, Goldie is in too many parts, Am doing the valve covers, Tracy is reconditioning my distributor and I have a new A/C compressor and parts on their way in.

Hope to see you guys soon and I will post some after pictures. I didn't think about before pics, the covers looked like hell.

Ken
 
THAT'S the reason for the b-4 pix YUK-YUK-YUK:D. So that WE can see what caused you to have them redone in the first place. Too bad about you not being able to bring Goldie, but them's the breaks. We'll be thinking about you anyway and will catrch you at one of the future shows. Good luck with the projects..........a C3 mo definitely NEEDS a working A/C. Probably could benefit from some of that sound deadening/heat reflecting stuff (Dynamat????) as well.
Andy :wavey:
The Northeast S-U-X! Its April 26, and it's STILL in the upper 40's at night.
SOMEBODY TURN ON THE HEAT FOR ME PLEASE !!!!!!!
 
Hey Ken........anything new on the valve covers?
Are they done yet, or is Brother's still working on them?
Missed you and Carrie at Steak-Out, but had a good time anyway!:rofl1:
Andy :wavey:
 
Hey Andy,

Will call Michael at Brothers tomorrow, he said they should be ready but it's OK if that take a few more days. I'm still fighting with the A/C system. The POA valve is a major PITA to get out but hopefully it'll be out and the last flushing will be done Sat or Sun then put it all back together, then the valve covers can go back on.

I'll keep ya posted.

Ken:shrug01:
 
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