Aluminum Panel Finish

[karlos]

A couple questions about the aluminum panels...

I think I'd like to powdercoat the panels that are visible/mostly visible with the body on. Based on the info I've been able to find, it appears this includes the side foot box panels, the "F" panels, and the firewall. Does that sound about right? I also plan to follow the recommendation about locating and drilling the panels but holding off on the actual rivet installation until as late as possible. It looks like the "F" panels are the first to go on. Anybody know if there is enough access to install the "F" panel rivets after the front suspension is assembled?

Thanks much.

-Karl

[edwardb]

Generally the F panels are the first to be installed, and what I've done on my builds. Really no reason not to IMO. I suppose it would be possible to mount them after the front suspension is installed, and only install rivets where they're accessible. But not sure why. The F panels aren't in the way of anything when first installed, unlike many of the other panels.

Regarding finish, it all depends on what you consider visible. If you mean only from under the hood, then your list sounds about right. For me personally, "visible" also means what I can see from the wheels wells and also the underside of the car. In other words, not covered by something else. I had all my panels finished on all sides. I know this is overkill, and not for everyone, but what I chose because that's what I wanted. The quote from the powder coater was the same for all panels vs. only selected sides of some, like not doing where the cockpit carpet covers it up. He said there was more labor in keeping it all straight than the slight extra amount of powder and the same oven time.

[skullandbones]

I've heard the same story from another powder coater as edwardb said. I was on the fence about whether it would make that much difference. However, after seeing a very nice roadster at HB, I came to the conclusion that it is worth every penny. This guy had spent 7 years on his car. He was a retired engineer so there was a lot of attention to detail and cool fabrication. The thing that stood out the most was the meticulously well done powder coating on the engine bay panels. His car was silver metallic and the panels matched the body color. If I ever build another car, it will have powder coated panels. On the underside of the car, I think the powder coating would help reduce the amount of staining from fluids and such (aluminum is bad about that) which would make it easier to clean and shine.

Good luck,

WEK.

[karlos]

Thanks guys; appreciate the input. The reason I was asking about the accessibility of the rivets on the F-panel is because I don't want to hold off on the front suspension assembly until I get the panels back from powdercoat. I'd prefer to locate and drill the holes on the panel, send it out for powdercoat, continue with the front suspension, and then do the final install on the panel with the suspension in place.