Author Topic: Help with 70 subframe  (Read 1802 times)

Bottom Feeder

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Help with 70 subframe
« on: June 27, 2021, 02:21:06 PM »
I have a 71' Formula that I'm doing a 70-72 T/A clone.  Probably end up being a 71-72.  Here's my question.  I have a 1970 front subframe from a Trans Am.  I don't have anymore room in my garage so it is out in the back yard in the elements.  I want to protect it from any further rust.  I would sand or media blast it then coat it but short on room. What you guys recommend to put on the frame?  If I coat it with like POR it might be tough blasting it down the road, right? Thanks
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tinpusher

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #1 on: June 27, 2021, 02:52:27 PM »
I blasted mine then painted it with Chassis Saver. It’s a self leveling paint, so I just brushed and rolled it on. Very durable.

5th T/A

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #2 on: June 27, 2021, 02:57:32 PM »
The subframe and suspension is made of heavy gage steel, it takes some time to really rust away. If it were me I would cover the top but still make sure it gets ventilation from underneath and can breathe. Shortly before you are ready to install it I would then clean it up and paint. If I recall correctly some of the products like POR work better when applied over rust, and don’t work as well over bare metal.

I recently had my subframe blasted and powder coated, it’s probably more durable than the original factory finish. I will add the finish is beautiful, but I will only take my car out on sunny days. There are lots of durable coating products out there, probably more durable than powder coating.
« Last Edit: June 27, 2021, 03:05:28 PM by 5th T/A »
1980 T/A with a Pontiac 461

Gone but not forgotten;
1973 T/A 455
1975 T/A 400
1978 T/A W72
1982 T/A cross fire injected

Two wheel toys;
2014 Harley Ultra Classic Limited
2013 Honda CB1100
2010 Yamaha Vmax
1982 Yamaha Seca 750

Bottom Feeder

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2021, 10:13:42 AM »
Thanks guys
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Doright

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2021, 07:51:56 PM »
Glass Blast it and Paint it with Black Epoxy from SPI
Keep it elevated off the ground and under a shade Epoxy doesn't  have much UV protection so will fade when exposed to UV Sun light over time BUT Their is no better protection from corrosion.





Dennis Barnett 
A&P Mechanic & FCC
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither!
B. Franklin

Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2021, 07:51:56 PM »

Bottom Feeder

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2021, 06:47:44 AM »
Looks Great!!! Thanks    BTW, How much did that cost you?
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Doright

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2021, 06:57:16 AM »
Just the Glass to blast with about $14 a 50lb bag and the Black Epoxy about $180 for a 2 Gal kit to spray it did it all myself
2 gal kit will spray a lot of parts and the car.

Powder coat is Tough stuff But its to much of a process and expensive.
Epoxy is just as Tough if not tougher lasts forever and there really isnt any better rust protection.

I leave my parts as Painted for the under side I dont even top coat them as long as they dont see UV of the sun they look nice forever. 
« Last Edit: June 30, 2021, 07:05:56 AM by Doright »
Dennis Barnett 
A&P Mechanic & FCC
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither!
B. Franklin

Wallington

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2021, 01:50:36 AM »
Easy and cheap to just leave with someone already set up.

Bottom Feeder

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #8 on: July 22, 2021, 03:30:15 PM »
Yep, gonna let someone else that's set-up do it.  Thanks for the input
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Doright

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2021, 09:22:17 PM »
Gee I wish i was rich enough to just write checks to get the stuff done.

Depending on your location I do take on occasional side jobs.

My project thread : http://transamcountry.com/community/index.php?topic=83715.0
Dennis Barnett 
A&P Mechanic & FCC
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither!
B. Franklin

Wallington

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #10 on: August 03, 2021, 12:49:57 AM »
Gee I wish i was rich enough to just write checks to get the stuff done.

I'm sure it would be cheaper than attempting the setup you already have and for a one-off job.

If you have nowhere to store the frame, do nothing with it at present. Put it aside. And when you are ready to use it, get it blasted or painted and ready to use. POR is rubbish, just a marketing product for those not intending on doing the job properly. Most rust is moisture inside the frame, not where you paint on the outside.
« Last Edit: August 03, 2021, 12:53:05 AM by Wallington »

Doright

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Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #11 on: August 21, 2021, 11:27:36 AM »
Oh to be sure
There are not many that have what I have as far as tools equipment & Experience, My shop rivals a lot of professional restoration shops or repair shops for that matter. But I have been doing this crap My whole life too.
That doesn't mean you cant buy a decent Air compressor a cheap Pressure pot blaster and a cheap Paint gun?

Always Buy the Biggest baddest air compressor you can afford its the heart of your shop.

You don't need a Pro level Paint booth it can be done Out side or in a Garage, A Paint booth Main design and Purpose is to Catch Over spray Its Not to keep crap out of the Paint why so many have that in their head I have no idea its far from the truth.

My Shop buts up to my home and I don't want Over spray on every thing so I have a Paint booth for that one reason only!
Dennis Barnett 
A&P Mechanic & FCC
Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither!
B. Franklin

Re: Help with 70 subframe
« Reply #11 on: August 21, 2021, 11:27:36 AM »
You can help support TAC!

 

You can help support TAC!