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tankpeople

Member Since: 30 Dec 2023
Location: Fife
Posts: 16

Galvanised chassis - should it be painted ?

Hello,

I'm about to fit a new galvanised chassis to a 90 Puma I've had for 13 years ( + surprised how corroded the original chassis is , esp the rear cross member, considering its been waxoiled and sprayed with dinitrol a few times ) , wondering about the pro's and cons of either leaving it galvanised finish, or painting it with zinc rich primer + black enamel ?.

I plan on fitting the inside arch guards from Glyn Lewis front and rear .

Recommendations for durable paint type would be appreciated also.

Thanks in advance James.

8th Jan 2024 12:41am

Leamreject

Member Since: 19 Dec 2020
Location: Middle Earth - Leamington Spa
Posts: 970

It’s a personal choice thing. It’s always nice to see a galvanised chassis in its raw state because you know someone has invested in it, but a painted one is a nicer more expensive preference

Ride like you stole it!!
If I’m not on a bike it’s because only a 4x4 will do…
2011 2.4 Puma 90 HT

8th Jan 2024 3:36am

Mike c

Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Maldon, Essex
Posts: 930

One advantage with painting it black, as in standard look, is that perhaps it's less tempting for thieves than one that's obviously galvanised and seen as more valuable.

Just a thought that crossed my mind.. 2004 Defender 90 Td5 CSW
2002 Discovery 2 td5 GS (gone)
1994 Defender 90 300Tdi CSW (gone)

8th Jan 2024 6:37am

Retroanaconda

Member Since: 04 Jan 2012
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2656

I would never leave one unpainted. Galvanising is not invincible, and a decent coat of paint will extend its life considerably.

8th Jan 2024 6:46am

MarkBrown

Member Since: 03 Oct 2022
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 475

1983 Defender 110 Other HT Auto Keswick Green

Paint will give another layer of protection, it will look good too. Galvanized products looks great when new, for a while, but then get a crusty look after the road grime, mud and salt have their turn. I used chassis black, three coats, sprayed.

8th Jan 2024 8:08am

Dinnu

Member Since: 24 Dec 2019
Location: Lija
Posts: 3421

2012 Defender 90 Puma 2.2 CSW Santorini Black

Galvanizing is a sacrificial coating, so the zinc will corrode to protect the steel. Luckily corrosion of zinc is very slow. As said, painting gives that extra protection - best paints are Epoxy based. Zinc needs special preparation for paint to adhere well.
Do not forget the inside - injecting wax or similar helps to prolong its life. 1988 90 Hard Top, 19J Diesel Turbo, Shire Blue - Restoration ongoing
2012 90 CSW, 2.2TDCI, Santorini Black

8th Jan 2024 8:18am

chopcat

Member Since: 11 Sep 2012
Location: Pembrokeshire
Posts: 412

Decent galvanising takes around 75 years before it needs maintenance so painting it is more of a look thing than corrosion protection. No one paints trailers or structural steel in buildings over galvanising.

But perhaps if you are hanging onto a car for 100 years it might be worthwhile thinking about it

CC

8th Jan 2024 8:38am

Chicken Drumstick

Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 751

Re: Galvanised chassis - should it be painted ?

tankpeople wrote:
Hello,

I'm about to fit a new galvanised chassis to a 90 Puma I've had for 13 years ( + surprised how corroded the original chassis is , esp the rear cross member, considering its been waxoiled and sprayed with dinitrol a few times ) , wondering about the pro's and cons of either leaving it galvanised finish, or painting it with zinc rich primer + black enamel ?.

I plan on fitting the inside arch guards from Glyn Lewis front and rear .

Recommendations for durable paint type would be appreciated also.

Thanks in advance James.

Some paints don't stick well to galv.

Some people like the look of a silver chassis. Although over time the galv doesn't look so great. I do think on a serious note a shiny glav chassis is more of a theft issue on a Defender.

And the galv coating sacrifices itself to protect the steel. So I think protecting the galv is well worth it considering the cost of the swap.

You often see gates and trailers with areas or orange rust showing through the galv where it is offering less protection. It might take a long long time to truly fail. But it doesn't mean it will last forever either.

Click image to enlarge

If you want another option to paint, you can easily spray a galv chassis with Dinitrol to make it look black and a smart protective finish. It isn't as durable as paint, but is easy to touch up.

8th Jan 2024 11:27am

tankpeople

Member Since: 30 Dec 2023
Location: Fife
Posts: 16

Thanks for all the replies, very helpful - would anyone know what a paint match for the original chassis black is ?, to match the original rear cross member . I think I'm going to paint the whole chassis and Dinitrol 4941 the inside of the rails etc.

8th Jan 2024 11:30am

Linds Hanson

Member Since: 16 Jan 2021
Location: Cornwall
Posts: 486

Definitley paint with mordant solution first and then Buzzweld galv in one, followed by Buzzweld WAR. Use a proper cavity dry wax inside box sections definitley NOT wet waxes like Waxoyl or Dinitrol which trap moisture and cause more problems.

8th Jan 2024 12:00pm

Mdm

Member Since: 11 Sep 2013
Location: Sunny Lancashire
Posts: 1623

i would always paint the rear crossmember and front dumb irons to hide the fact its been rebuilt.

bearing in mind how long an untreated (non galv non dipped coat etc) chassis from lr lasts with a whisper of paint on it i think folk worry to much about how long they will last.

now if it lives by the sea or works off road a lot, then yes i may well paint it for more protection otherwise save your money and spend it on something else.

if you are keeping it glav then lanogaurd or similar clear coatings work well and its what weve done on a mates 90.

8th Jan 2024 9:23pm

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