Aluminum panels

[treeman]

I will get my MK4 next week and I have seen several discussions on how to treat the aluminum panels. Shark skin - anodize - paint -leave as is - is there a general consensus on what is best. I am open to all suggestions. I am a novice with aluminum (and most other matters as well.

Thanks

[michael everson]

I personally like the look of the black powder coated panels. I try to talk all my customers into doing it. I have a local guy that will do all panels that can be seen for $300.00
Mike

[WIS89]

Tree-

I am a fan of powder coating, regardless of color or treatment. I think it looks sharp, and every indication is that it is long lasting. Most folks find a complementary color to their car's color, but as Mike points out, black is a great choice.

I am treating all the panels that can be seen with powder coating, and then a simple coat of paint for any unseen panels. No good reason, other than to save a few dollars on the powder coating process.

I am sure you will hear a nice variety of answers on this, and frankly I think they all work nicely. I like the idea of protecting the aluminum, and keeping it from oxidizing.

Good luck with your build!

Regards,

Steve

[edwardb]

The consensus is no consensus. You will find many methods used, and most (including me) will cite what they have chosen. It comes down to what look you're going for and budget is certainly a consideration. Some like the utilitarian look of the bare aluminum, but if not treated, won't stay looking that way for long. It will turn to a chalky grey color over time. Paint is OK, but some question about the durability and resistance to heat and solvents. I've done full powder coating on all my builds because I like the look and the durability. My first build (Mk3) is starting its 6th season, and still looks brand new. Just saw it at a car show last weekend. I've done metallic silver, gloss black, and now the 20th Anniversary metallic grey and white. Black is striking and a great choice, but is definitely higher maintenance.

If you do choose powder coating, couple of hints based on experience. Drill and fit the panels first, then powder coat, then final install. Take as many panels as you can to the powder coater at once. Ideally all. That will be the most economical. Many will mention only doing "what shows." Again, this is a matter of personal choice. I found through a couple of quotes there was no difference between doing all sides of pieces vs. selective sides. Also, for me anyway, the underneath is important too. In the end, there are only a very small number of parts that don't have at least some part of them showing from somewhere.

Good luck with your build! Keep us posted, and we like pictures.

[Arvin]

I agree with treating the panels with something. I like the look of aluminum so I thoroughly cleaned mine and then gave them a slight brush finish. I then had them clear powder coated. I also coated both sides of everything because even though only one side shows, it was more expensive for the coater to mask off one side than it was to coat both sides so I coated everything. Agree with edwardb, take as much as possible at one time. Since mine was clear, I had to pay a clean up fee to get ready to coat - only $50 but if you had to pay that too many times, well......

[Jacob McCrea]

Welcome; here is a recent thread discussing the same question.

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?20451-Aluminum-panels

If money were not a concern, I would do powder coat.