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Metal finishing issues in classic car restoration

April 29, 2010

Hi Guys
Sorry if this is a little off topic
Hope you can help

I'm just about to begin the restoration of a 1972 Triumph GT6 and am looking at various ways to rust proof the vehicle once done

I am thinking of galvanizing the chassis to prevent it corroding again, and then painting over it for cosmetic reasons. I did think about powdercoating it after galvanizing but was worried it might chip and would not be repairable. If I were to paint the chassis what kind of primers and paints should I be looking at?

Also - what are your suggestions for the running gear?
I was thinking of having it shotblasted and shotpeened, and then painted. Should I look at galvanizing these parts too?

Finally - what can I do to the bodytub to prolong its life?
Should I be looking at etch or zinc primers? etc


Thanks in advance

Anthony Young
Hobbyist - Warwickshire, England

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May 3, 2010

Hot dip galvanizing will protect the chassis for a very, very long time, no additional protection required. It will outlast the rest of the car.

If by "running gear" you mean suspension and steering parts, yes, galvanizing will work on them too, but be aware that any threads or close dimensions will need a bit of hand work after hot dip galvanize. A good quality primer and two top coats of quality enamel would also last a long time without galvanizing first.

There is no need to paint over the galvanized parts unless you prefer the appearance of paint. If so, use a primer intended for galvanized surfaces and any good quality enamel.

The exterior of the sheet metal will be adequately protected by any automobile paint, correctly applied. Interior surfaces which cannot be painted can be protected by a suitable rust preventive, WaxOyl being a well known one among British car buffs.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina