Rust Vs Powdercoating, Galvanising or POR-15
October 2005...
Obviously after all this work is done, I don’t want my lovely new chassis to rust again!
The original plan was to sandblast the chassis, galvanise, then powdercoat it. Hot dip galvanising involves submerging the chassis in a bath of molten zinc, which bonds to the mild steel of the chassis, forming a rust proof layer. It would last for at least 100 years! Galvanising is the only way to guarantee 100% that rust will never return on the frame.
The main
problem with galvanising is the risk that due to the extreme temperatures of
the process (600 degrees Celsius) , the chassis could
warp and become unusable. A replacement chassis in good condition would have to
be bought overseas and could cost up to 5000 Euro (US$6000), if one could even
be found. Otherwise, a replacement chassis made from Stainless Steel costs
about 14,000 Euro (when you include shipping to
On the one hand, a handful of DeLorean chassis’s have been hot dipped galvanised before, and they have not warped.
On the other hand, this is no guarantee that it would not happen my chassis - there is always a first time for everything!
Anyway, check back soon to see more on this topic, and repairs to the rusted metal in the chassis. I’ll try and keep this restoration updated every week or 2! And of course, please let me know what you think of this restoration log so far!
To be continued….