I've just about got my cage done in my 2g CRX and looking to see what everyone has done to prep metal for paint. I'm using DOM tubing..all was wiped down with acetone prior to bending/cutting/installing. I had two sets of tube i used (80% had been sitting in garage for about 4 monthes and 20% bought the day of use). The new stuff looked much cleaner after wiping with acetone than the older stuff.

Should I sand down all of the tube, or just clean up the areas around the welds. If sanding is required, any special tricks/tools?

TIA

Andy

 

I would scuff with something between like 80-400 and spray epoxy primer. Basecoat or single-stage wont stick to bare metal. most urethane primers wont guaranteed adhesion either. you should be able to spray the epoxy and then topcoat almost immediately (based on what the manufacturer recommends). Any longer will require rescuffing.

And yea, you want to degrease it immediately before you spray it. Wipe on with one rag and immediately wipe off with another. Just like in Karate Kid.

**all of the above info is assuming you arent talking about rolling or rattle-canning the cage and are using actual automotive grade paints.

 

yeah, i'm going to epoxy primer the whole cage/interior then mask off and do interior base/clear silver and cage black. Not worried about the painting, just not sure how much it took to get the oil from the tubing and if it was embedded more than a towel and acetone could remove.

I'm hoping to stay away from having to hand sand the entire cage, but if its necessary then thats what i'll do.

Thanks

 

id prolly scrub it will a brillo pad and dishwashing detergent/comet mix to get the oil off. i dont think acetone will remove petroleum based solvents.

 

anyone else?

 

Typically I will wipe the straight tubing down with lacquer thinner and sand the tubes with 150grit. Then I bend the tubes and mitre all of my joints. I sand the joints around the welds. Weld it up and wipe it down with wax and grease remover. Then paint.

 

I either wipe it down with acetone by itself or sometimes ill use scotchbrite on certain sections if need be. then on goes the rusto!