DeTomaso Mailing List: July 99, Message #6

Dear Cal,

	First let me say that I think that not all powdercoating is equal.  I suspect that some applications are a whole lot tougher than others.
	With that as an introduction, I had my suspension powder coated in 1991.  Given the way I drive and the distances (Oklahoma City to Vegas for example), I found that the powdercoating was not tolerating speed and mileage very well in about 1993-4.  I had the  suspension then treated w;ith the aluminized ceramic stuff from AirBorn Coatings.  It bonds to the metal to the tune of 10,000 psi, allegedly.  So far they show no wear, tarnishing or chips or flakes with greater abuse than the powder coating experienced.
	I think that for the money it would be hard to lose to try the POR 15, but I have my doubts about its long term durability.  I have used it on "stuff" around here and find that it can flake off given enough time (4-5 years I think)
	Needless to say, the AirBorn Coatings is the most expensive at about about 35-45 dollars per a arm, but it may well be permanent!

		FWIW,  Chuck Engles

-----Original Message-----
From:	Eustaquio, Cal J [SMTP:cal.j.eustaquio@lmco.com]
Sent:	Thursday, July 01, 1999 12:35 PM
To:	Multiple recipients of list
Subject:	Powdercoat v. POR-15

Hi all:
Next on my list (sometime this year) is the replacement of all the rubber
bushings in the sway bar, A-arms, and what have you that I haven't
mentioned. Read in an ad in Cars and Parts that POR-15 is tougher than
powdercoating (not to mention the added incentive of reduced cost). Anyone
care to comment on this before I commit one way or the other to this
upcoming project? Cal. #2428.