18 replies to this topic

[Minilover1.3]

My rear subframe has lot of surface rust. Passed mot and mechanic says its solid and good.

I want to hot dip galvanise my subframe so it lasts a lifetime but I know il need to prep it.

How do I do this?

Wire brush and rust converter gel?

I believe sandblasting may be bit much for it. Mite put hole in it if rust is bad enough lol

[Artful Dodger]

For galvanising sandblasting is the only option. If the frame is rusty and may be weak after blasting I wouldn't galvanise it.

[ginsters]

Sand blast is the best

[Old Bob]

It's either solid or it's not! Grit blasting will remove all the surface rust and you can see how good it is (and it will provide a perfect 'key' for painting) but you can do a perfectly acceptable job with a twisted wire brush on a grinder. It will take a lot longer but will save money.

But don't put anything on it if you are having it galvanised - it will only have to be removed before the galvanising can take place.

Bob

[Minilover1.3]

Cheers guys, I may just wire rush the heck out of it! Lol and hope its solid!

[ginsters]

Just blast it it doesn't have to be heavy stuff and if it needs patching at least it can be done and probably won't need taking off the car again

[Artful Dodger]

Shouldn't cost a lot to blast it either. You can do a proper job too:P. paint finish can be very good!

[jd24-7]

Shot blast every time. Wire brush is very slow and won't get everywhere. Shot blast and powder coat, Will look like New. £50 - £60 money well spent. Not tried zinc plate on a subframe, but i would imagine, better long term protection.
Jd

[Stevie W]

As others have mentioned, shot blasting using suitable media is the way to go.
Because of the intricate shape of the subframe and all the hidden nooks and crannies, blasting is the only way to do remove old paint and surface rust.
Once this has been done, you'll have a nice clean "key" for the coating to stick to.
I've done this with rear and front subframes then had them primed and powder coated, gives a very nice finish!
Cheers, Steve

[Tamworthbay]

The only time I had stuff hot dipped they didn't want it touched before they got it. They did a dip/ strip prior to the hot Galve, and said they preferred to do it themselves so they knew the surface was right for dipping. It may be worth asking who is doing it what they want before you spend time or money stripping it. It is well worth doing, the parts I had done were of a 50s trials motorbike and are still immaculate after a few years and a LOT of abuse from me and its new owner.

[Shifty]

http://www.theminifo...ed#entry1596540

[bmcecosse]

If it's rusty it's not worth wasting ANY time on it ! Buy a new one.

[Artful Dodger]

^. Not at 200 pound aprox a pop... Thats silly talk!!

Cut any obvious rust off, blast and paint. Will last forever then if you protect it well enough. :)

[mini-luke]

If it's rusty it's not worth wasting ANY time on it ! Buy a new one.

I agree, if you are shelling out for galvanising it's pointless doing it on a ropey subframe the seams are swelling

[Tupers]

Just a heads up, if you get it blasted and especially if it's a front frame give a good pressure wash off first. Most grit wont move chucks off grease and gunk and if you're paying for blasting you want to make sure every corner can be gotten to.


And make sure you put it some where good and warm to dry off after, keep turing it over to get any water out and blow it through with an air line if you can.

Edited by Tupers, 26 December 2012 - 07:57 PM.