There wouldn't be any issue with media blasting as the frame would be bare. As for where bearings press fit, you may need to file them out upon reassembly, and you may need to do some thread chasing.
2010-07-14 18:07:04
9
Sandblasting/Powdercoating Old Frame
I have a 25 year-old Jamis Cross Country with a 4130 Cromoly frame. The bike has seen better days. I am hopeful that good days lie ahead as well, and would like to re-build it.
I am thinking first about complete disassembly, and because the paint is pretty beaten-up, would like to have the frame repainted. Would it be a bad idea to have the frame sandblasted and powder coated? Does anyone have experience with this? Would there be issues with the bearing housings?
Any advice or anecdotes would be a help. Thanks.
2010-07-14 17:58:20
Last year I had Thick bikes powercoat my old Italian Bottecchia frame (icon, left), I did the disassembly and rough paint removal (stripper), they did the final blasting and powdercoating and chased the bottom bracket threads, $200. Very happy with it, that'll be the last time I need to do anything to that frame.
2010-07-14 18:27:45
I do auto body restoration as my "other hobby". I have never painted a bike but I have painted quite a few cars.
I would recommend a chemical strip on the frame because meadia blasting is messy and if you are not careful (depending on the PSI of media blaster) it can damage sensitive areas. They make some very good eco friendly chemical strippers, but either way paint removal is messy.
Powder coating is extremely durable but the application can be fussy. If you make a mistake it’s difficult to correct. Also the choice of colors for powder coating are limited.
After the frame is stripped and neutralized I would do a very light coat of etching primer, and then use an epoxy primer (both are available in rattle can). Then I would use a basecoat clear coat to finish.
2010-07-14 18:48:57
call barry at dirty harry's, they use a local business to do sandblasting and powder coating....for cheap.
2010-07-14 19:31:53
Thick offers a discount to bikepgh members for powdercoating.
2010-07-14 21:36:25
This is really helpful. So although I like the idea of stripping the frame myself, I think I ought to take it around to Thick and DH and at least get an opinion and a quote.
Once that's done.. parts! Nashbar? Performance? Thick, DH, Krayniks? Is my head in the right place?
Thanks again!
2010-07-15 11:05:59
Parts? If you know what you're doing, Ebay. Just be aware of what you can get the same thing for at somewhere like Nashbar, don't get caught up in bidding, set a price in your head and be ready to let a thing go if it goes over.
2010-07-15 11:30:49
you can by local or..
I've always found the best deals online at jensonusa.com or pricepoint.com
both ship fast.
2010-07-15 12:12:29