TheSamba.com :: View topic - Frame and Component Part Restoration / Paint

Fri Jun 22, 2012 7:57 pm

Let me introduce myself - the name says it all. Pics are soon to come.

I have torn down my long neglected mouse-house of a 74 Super Beetle to a body on wheels sans glass, tar substances, seats, dash and hardware - a naked beetle that rolls with manpower.

I just had the bumpers and fenders sandblasted and epoxy primered. The doors are next week, and then comes the body (after bracing is welded to the inside of the body to secure during sandblast and prime process and then transport to the next paint shop). So I have the body figured out - I know that it will be done off the frame, but my questions are regarding the frame.

My current plan is as follows - and please comment and add any tidbits of wisdom:

1) Weld bracing into body.

2) Remove body from frame with engine and transmission intact.

3) Place body onto blast shop's dolly and blast, clean, epoxy prime.

4) Remove engine and send out for rebuild.

5) Remove transmission and send out for rebuild.

6) Remove underbody components that don't need to be blasted (the ones I can brillo, clean, and paint at home).

7) Have remaining chassis sandblasted and epoxy primered - possibly powdercoated.

8) Reassemble frame with transmission, wheels, redone suspension and brakes.

So starting at number six is where I am stumped. I want to get everything off the frame that doesn't make sense to have blasted - i.e. the stuff I can do at home to save money and prepare for the guy doing the brake and suspension build. Where would I start? What should I leave with my sandblasting guy for him to blast and prime on the frame? What should I deliver to my mechanic fellow for him to work on when the frame is done? Is it worthwhile to powdercoat the frame? Which parts?

And would labor costs be substantially less with a frame off for initial brake/suspension work?

I'm doing all the wiring/cabling/vacuum myself - and engine will go in last... Any ideas of what to take off the frame and what to deliver to my mechanic? What to have powdered? Any past experience? This has been a blast so far, ripping the beast apart... The questions of reassembly are now rearing their ugly head!!!

Fri Jun 22, 2012 9:17 pm

Transaxle can and should be removed before sandblasting frame. rear axles and bearing housing might not like the sand either.. I spot blasted mine and am hoping no sand got into the bearings in the rear trailing arms.
it makes sense to do the brake work while body is off the frame, i.e brake lines, cables , etc.

I've been doing the same type project for the last 6 months, ready to paint within the next week .

you can follow my build at http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=497088&highlight=sport

Sun Jun 24, 2012 8:29 am

You don't epoxy prime then powder coat.Powder coat goes on bare metal and then is baked on.Something else to consider if damaged powder coat is not easily repaired where as a painted surface is.