Powder coating problem

[Niagara Dave]

Should I test fit the chassis before powder coating to ensure no modification is required and everything fits? My fear is that I will start to put the kit together and something will not fit and I will have problems fitting the rad or the transmission and cutting or modifying will be difficult after the powder coating is done. Has anyone had problems with this?

[skullandbones]

Hi Dave,

I see you sold that Chevelle. I imagine you will do well with your build if you are that careful with your cars. I don't think the powder coat question is really build specific so I thought I would share what I have found with my FFR roadster build. I think there were a few tight fits for suspension bolts in front suspension but for the most part, I think FFR allows a little tolerance for the powder coating. Most of my stuff went on as designed without any of the modifying as you described. Of course, you will have issues if you plan on moving motor mounts or such. I don't think you were talking about that. I have never heard of the powder coating causing real problems. The powder coating is definitely one of those options to consider as a must have.

Good luck,

WEK.

[edwardb]

I'm on my third Roadster build with an already PC'd chassis. I agreed with WEK. Unless you are planning some major modifications, it's not a problem. If you need to, chips, etc. can be touched up and be nearly invisible. For the FFR gloss black chassis, I've found gloss black appliance paint from HD matches well. Or, POR15 gloss black is also excellent. Probably nearly as durable as the PC as long as it's not exposed to UV.

[68GT500MAN]

If you bought your kit without the powder coating, then of course, do all modifications and fitting before the coating. If you have not placed your order, then I would highly suggest getting the powder coat option.
Doug

[Niagara Dave]

Thanks guys! My fear is I PC the frame and factory five puts a bracket in the wrong spot or the rad support is out 1/4 inch from welding. I guess my question is if you order the kit have you found welding mistakes?

[skullandbones]

There may be a communication error between you and the company but that's why they have the order form. If you order the wrong engine combo, you will find the motor mounts in the wrong place when you get your chassis. That's how something could be not as you expect it. However, if you see their video you will see that it would be difficult to weld it up wrong. They use welding jigs to pre-fit everything together for the chassis before it ever goes to the rotisserie for final weld up. The parts are pre-cut. There may be some clean up dressing on those parts but not like hand fabricating a one off. So I would say your fears are unfounded. It is really a factory and they are quite standardized.

Check out the video.

WEK.

[edwardb]

Thanks guys! My fear is I PC the frame and factory five puts a bracket in the wrong spot or the rad support is out 1/4 inch from welding. I guess my question is if you order the kit have you found welding mistakes?

My advice remains the same. If you plan to do extensive mods involving moving stuff around including welding, you may want to hold off on the FF supplied PC. Or if you don't like gloss black. :) But otherwise it's a good deal. You will be hard pressed to find someone to come close to the price they offer. I wouldn't make a decision based on concern they're going to have something welded in the wrong place. Stuff happens, and they're not perfect. But in three builds I haven't had anything that extreme happen. These are custom builds, and there's always going to be some tweaking and adjusting. But I've never had anything that made me regret I did the factory PC. BTW, for my first Mk4 (#7750, build thread in my sig line) the Levy 5-link was welded into a FF factory PC'd frame. The welder cleaned the PC away from the area to be welded, did his thing, and we touched up with matching paint afterwards. Granted, it's up under the bottom of the car and not easily visible. But worked out just fine. You have a lot of big decisions to make with your build. Don't overthink this one.

[myjones]

If you order the wrong engine combo, you will find the motor mounts in the wrong place when you get your chassis. It is really a factory and they are quite standardized.
Check out the video. WEK.

Unless something has changed the chassis has one standard set of welded in brackets, the parts that bolt to that bracket is different for each motor combo so I don't see how you could get something that was welded in the wrong place. The same thing occurs in the back, one set of tabs then either the 3 or 4 link is bolted on. The new IRS is the exception to this from what they announced because it wouldn't bolt to the existing tabs and the chassis needed bracing for a new load path so it "won't be offered as a bolt in upgrade". Buy the FF PC if you are using a standard combo, buy it raw if you are making major changes like I did.
DB Hemi33

[Niagara Dave]

Thank you that answers my question. I am not ordering the pc from factory five because it is cheaper to have it done in Canada. I also want to make sure all the welds are aesthetically cleaned up with no spatter.

[groot33]

Always pre assemble. You will change something along the way..
fyi for ground straps or brackets that need to be grounded put small washer and screw or bolt in frame so coating is not behind washer.Or you will have to grind off paint..