Undercoating and rust protection

[John Greenslade]

OK, I am doing my first ever body work (MIG welder works great - my first attempt at welding light metal)and a frame up restoration. I previously stripped every mechanical component, doors, windows, interior, dash etc until only had a shell. I replaced both floor pans and welded in new frame rails. I had the undercarriage stripped with walnut shells, repaired minor undercarriage and strut tower damage. I have just rebuild the inner rocker panel sill and coated with POR 15. Last night I spot welded a new rocker panel on the drivers side and this weekend hope to replace the drivers side inner wheel well and rear fender panel. I have ordered a new front fender panel for the passenger side and will restore minor damage on the passenger side next week. Next step is to rebuilt rear suspension, reinstall rear suspension, diferrential and then temporarily install front wheels to have towed to alignment shop to make sure i didn't screw up the front frame rail position. Finally my question. I have coated the undercarriage with a high quality catalyzed primer. What should I do next to prevent future rust problems. Also, I propose to have the various suspension components and hangers bead polished and powder coated. What finishes work on the diff, transmission, and drive shafts.

Thanks John G

[Guest 400 ci 280z]

i know this doesnt help you but when you did your framerails where did you support the car at?

[John Greenslade]

400 ci 280z. When I replaced the frame rails I supported the front end by placing jack stands under the front radiator cross members. With all mechanical components out of the car there was lots of rigidity just from the inner fender support system. I also put jack stands under rear frame sections. Also, because I always worry about stability when crawling arount car I had the rear end held lightly with a chain hoist hung from a 6x6 across beams in my garage and also supported under the floor pans near transmission tunnel with 2 hydraulic jacks.