SMTCapeCod

Working with a local powder-coating shop here. I've seen some pictures of nicely done engines with powder coated timing belt covers- does anyone know what temps are appropriate to sufficiently cure the powder coating, without compromising the shape or integrity of the plastic covers?
Thanks

SeanR

Don't think I've ever seen plastic PC'd but if you get it done, please show us some pics of it.

sharkmeister85

I recently PC'd my timing belt covers- the alloy ones. I did not do the plastic one. Again, I've never seen the plastic one done either. I do seem to recall reading somewhere that it is now possible to do plastic because of new paint powder that has been developed that will cure at much lower temperatures and not melt plastic. I would expect whoever claims they can PC plastic for you, should be knowledgable enough to know the correct temperature for curing. If they don't, I wouldn't let them touch it.
Glenn

lorenolson888

powder coating is like plating metal.... it uses it uses conductivity of the material...

there maybe some sort of painting process you are mixing this up with in the case of plastic... but My car has two metal ones for each side... plastic for center... '

the metal ones can be charged


LO

rcoble

You can paint the plastic covers with a special eletrically conductive paint, and the plate them. (chrome etc.) But I can't imagine a powder coating process that wouldn't melt the cover. Since you would have to paint it with conductive paint first, you may as well just paint them.

Louie928

Normal powder coat cures at around 380F for about 1/2 hour. I'm not aware of low temp cure powder, but there may be. Check Columbia Coatings for powder coat info and supplies.

http://www.columbiacoatings.com/

ARCFLEMING

Hi,

I don't know if this will help, but some months ago, I went through the same process. My timing belt covers were powder coated. The temp was approximately 450 degrees for 15 minutes. (I don't know about the quality of these pictures, but perhaps they will help.) The biggest hurdle was removing the existing finish on the alloy covers.

Brian
86.5 (6.5L) 928

fbarnhill

Hi,
I just cleaned mine thoroughly on both sides and painted them with the high temp red. I love the effect. I think it makes the engine look massive. This is a picture I took while doing the tb/wp job. What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Frank Barnhill
79 Euro AT

checkmate1996

Frank,

I thought it looked sweet in person!! Good luck on fine tuning that beast!!

SMTCapeCod

Guess it was confusion on my part- I didn't realize that there are alloy covers. I suppose the don't retrofit. Looks like my decision is now paint/don' paint! I'll probably go the latter. But Brian- Thats smokn'!!!!!!!!!