DeTomaso Mailing List: March 2000, Message #12

Nolan:
In part:
I am think of doing some of my own Powdercoating. I have found that Eastwood
sells a small unit for the doit yourselfer. I'm wondering if any of you have
tried their system and how it works. Please tell me if you are happy with the
final product.

I've been using the little combo powder gun from Eastwood for some time now with
great sucess.  It is actually a combination gun, using both the 'Tribo' and
'Cathode' technologies of powder coating, which eliminates a lot of the inherent
problems of using either one of the techniques individually.  I aquired a old
pizza oven that works great for the oven.  I'm sure your aware you need at least
375 deg. temp.  But as long as your doing it, getting a pizza oven will also let
you have the temps necessary (500 deg) for doing your own Jet-Hot type header
coating if you so choose.  You can also apply most of the engine coatings that
have become available.  I just coated the piston crowns on my radial aircraft
engine a few months ago and actually recorded a oil temp drop of 15 deg. at
cruise setting (2000 rpm @ 20") from 195f  to 180f ).  Get on the Internet (if
you get the system) and look for  a "surplus" powder supplier for much better
powder prices.  They have an extremely good supply of colors and materials (not
the fancy colors), but you have to know which type of powder you want.  Not all
powders are compatable with automotive applications.  Like Epoxy based
materials,  extermely tough but fade drastically in sunlight, but  works great
on suspension (not in the sun). I highly recommend the Eastwood system, and
you'll be surprised and the final appearance you can achieve.  NOTE !  A small
sandblast unit is a great help in prepping most of the items to be coated
including piston crowns.
Regards