Author Topic: Front Beam Restoration? (Read 2500 times)

72vwtype2 · « **on:** February 02, 2009, 09:29:17 AM »

Well I am about to start restoring my 1958 bug back to stock....slowly

. The plan is to start from the pan (and various attachments) and work my way up to the body.

My first challenge is the front beam, since it is complete and correct (Jan 1958 beam same as car). The beam is curently bare and clean of dirt and grime. My question is: What next?

Chemicaly strip/sand blast, primer/etch primer, powder coat/por15?

Any advice/experiences is appreciated.

Thanks.

70's Looker · « **Reply #1 on:** February 02, 2009, 09:46:44 PM »

hang on here.... they never had powder coat back in 59!!!!

Jeremy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 02, 2009, 10:55:28 PM »

Quote from: ont58 on February 02, 2009, 09:46:44 PM

hang on here.... they never had powder coat back in 59!!!!

I was going to say powder coat for sure but ONT58 makes a good point. Sand blast it anyway. Just cover the torsion tube ends to prevent sand getting in there.

72vwtype2 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2009, 07:57:59 AM »

Quote from: ont58 on February 02, 2009, 09:46:44 PM

hang on here.... they never had powder coat back in 59!!!!

Good point

!

Although I am going as stock as possible. I figure I could use a "less shinny" powdercoat to give it that more original look. Considering the beam is 50+ years, it's actually not too bad. They must have had some tough paints back then as well.

Any recommendations on what I should use as a base?

Thanks for the info guys.

70's Looker · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2009, 05:56:19 PM »

go for the powder coat than if u can match it to og finishes then heck do it we all can speak highly for the quality of powercoats compaired to spray on paints!

Jeremy · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2009, 06:29:31 PM »

Phil, I would get a bunch of stuff together that you are going to sandblast and take it to the U-blast place in Langley. I think it's about $40 for the first hour but you can sandblast a lot of stuff in an hour. If your not into that try Randy at B&W Metal cleaners at the bottom of Blue Mtn. (Behind KMS) Then try Russ on this site or Sam at S&S powdercoat (he's on Kebet way, just off Mary Hill bypass) he does a lot of satin black (he did my front stair rail satin black if you want to come take a look) or Steve at Rainbow Powder coat at the bottom of Blue Mtn not to far from us. (above B&W Metal cleaners). Probably a better deal to get a bunch of stuff done at once. Just make sure you mask off what you don't want powder coated and you will need a special tape that can go in the oven. I know Sam and Steve like cash deals.

Jeremy

72vwtype2 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2009, 07:52:40 AM »

Thanks Kevin and Jeremy for your comments.

I have used B&W before for some blasting and I found their work was good (and reasonably priced). I might try the U-blast in Langley, since warping these parts would seem awfully difficult (compared to a thin door), even an amateur like me should be able to do it

. I do intend on getting a bunch of stuff done at the same time. I have all four backing plates, rear axle, drums, torsion bar and front spindles to name a few. I have read a few articles on powder coat vs spray on. It seems like you do get a more "original" look with spray on at the expense of durability. So since this is not going to be a daily driver, I may go with spray on paint.

Phil.

steveo_32 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 19, 2009, 10:19:03 PM »

Phil......................spray on paint.............after all those years of picking thru everyone's bolts your going to use a spray can

Bring it over and I will spray it for you! You but the paint and primer.

And clean that thing first!

72vwtype2 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:40:48 AM »

By "spray" I did not mean "spray can (bomb)". Regardless, I have been convinced to powder coat. I will try to post some pics (before & after).