Okay, to start, I will be getting an unpainted Autopower Roll Bar, which I am contemplating one idea in my head for.

They come black, or unpainted, I hate black, so I am going for unpainted, contemplating having it powdercoated, however another idea had gone through my head.

I come from the BMX scene, long before I got into cars, and eventually hondas, and am very used to the raw metal look. All that is done to compliment it is a fresh layer of clear coat. Frames, forks, handlebars, virtually everypart can be bought like this.

I also think of when I see a piece of freshly welded metal or joints the color change that goes on through the metal. The rollbars are made of DOM steel, and am curious of a way to replicate the color change, but maybe in a more evident way. Possibly at each corner or beginning of tubing have the color change fade into the normal silver color. Not sure what to use, if just a normal bernzomatic torch would do the job or not? After I have it how I want it, I would clearcoat it.

I just love the look of raw metal and the changes it goes through when subject to heat, just the rainbow of colors produced. I think it would be something different, and something I would enjoy myself as it wouldn't be done half assed.

Ideas? And thank you in advance

 

Well I know if you don't wipe down a stainless header after you install it the oils from your hands cause the color to change when it gets hot. So maybe touch it and torch it?

 

LMAO! haha I wish it was that easy

 

different absoloutly bump!

 

I also came from the BMX scene...

when I did my cage in my neon I hand sanded all the tubes after I fit them.... and then TIG welded them in place. The color change was preserved by a nice coating of clear. It looked really clean. If you're going for this...you'll have to be there when the cage is welded and prep all the tubes...and then keep them from rusting.

 

I had and S&M dirtbike with ditch forks that were bare and hand bare bars too looks awesome sorry I cant help with any color change techniques but it is def a cool idea

 

take a MAP or propane torch to it.. slowly and evenly, you will see it turn gold, then turquoise, then blue and purple... and i didnt know you could preserve mild steel from that surface rust by clearing it. never thought about clearing tubing.. cool idea

let us know how it goes..

 

I will take pictures when I take on the project (need to wait on rollbar to come in), and yes, you can clear it and it will preserve the finish. :0)

After the roll bar is welded up it will be shipped right to me, so I think the chance of rusting will be slim, if it doesn't work out as planned I just go with powdercoating it, however I think this look will be awesome to go with my roots of BMX where the idea originated as well as my appreciation for the metalworkers on this board, and around the world who make it an artform instead of just a "job".


Thank you everyone and once I go through it, like I said I will take some good pictures

 

Can we get an ME to quote whether or not reheating the DOM steel is going to have an effect on it's structural integrity as a roll bar?

 

thats what i was thinking. but great idea!

 

i have polished cro moly a arms for race cars and then had them clear powder coated.looks really good.the heat from the oven when its powder coated darkens the clear a bit.as for the color change if you are very careful with a map torch not to put much heat in it i think that would be fine.

 

I suppose technically if the steel is heated above ~1000 degrees it will begin to recrystallize (anneal) and be more ductile. I'm not sure if available piping is CW or annealed when delivered.

You can alter the microstructure of steel by heating/cooling but I doubt this would occur to a degree significant enough to affect the cage.

i wouldnt worry about it but this is all top of my head so i might be completely wrong

 

Would be good to hear if it would affect the integrity of the metal before I give this a try. I will practice on a few spare pieces of metal first to get a good technique going and then move onto the roll bar.

Anyone have precautions such as what were asked above?

 

i would want that bar as clean as you can get it before you do your heat look to the joints.also talk to your powder coat company to see if they can take it from you right after you get it the way you want it.they will have to take it from you right after your done and handle it with white cotton gloves.no rinse and etch this will leave spots on the bar after they bake it.this is how the a arms where done and they came out perfect.

 

Thank you for the warning on the finish :0)

 

no prob omg i hope it works out for you.