Galvanizing a frame

[2001XJ]

Hey guys,

I was wondering if anyone can give me feedback on galvanizing a frame? Was it worth it, pros/cons, etc? Also, if anyone is from Michigan (I am in Lansing area) and can clue me on where I can get a frame galvanized, I would appreciate it. Everytime I ask anyone that does media blasting, fab work or powdercoating, they give me a funny look like it's impossible. Most of the threads I have read about glavanizing takes place down south....that is a little far to get my frame done.

TIA

[Cruiserdrew]

Are you willing to disassemble your vehicle to galvanize it? There used to be a place here in Sacramento that would do the whole thing, but it was a bath/dip process that would not be possible with a whole truck.

If you are that worried, keep it washed during the winter and maybe get it oiled regularly like the Canadians do. The other option is to get a cheap winter beater car and not drive the Cruiser.

[2001XJ]

Originally Posted by Cruiserdrew

Are you willing to disassemble your vehicle to galvanize it? There used to be a place here in Sacramento that would do the whole thing, but it was a bath/dip process that would not be possible with a whole truck.

If you are that worried, keep it washed during the winter and maybe get it oiled regularly like the Canadians do. The other option is to get a cheap winter beater car and not drive the Cruiser.

Actually, the truck is all dissassembled and ready for prep work. It's a 75 that I paln to "frame up" restore. So, I figure while the frame is stripped to the bare skeleton, it would be a good time to dip it and galvanize it. You are right about the driving and keeping it washed here in Michigan, the salt is horrendous. I wouldn't drive it in the winter.....maybe occasionally but like I said, figured while the fram is easily manipulated, I could get it dipped/galvanized.

[Cuerno Largo]

Mine turned out great. Pros would be relatively inexpensive for the level of protection. Cons in my opinion are you have to run a tap in all of the holes when it is done, not a big deal though. I will do it again if I ever get mine finished and start another one.

[kjohnson]

2001XJ

There is a shop in Rockford IL that still does galvinizing, I believe their tanks are 20 feet long but not sure how wide. If that is not to far away for you shoot me a PM and I will get you a phone number.

Kevin

[Caveman]

I saw a green BJ 42 in Nanaimo, BC a few days ago with a fully gavinized frame. Followed him to the stupid store and had a great BS with him. a big grey haired european guy. Nice guy. The frame looked really neat. Had it done in Vancouver somewhere, so it can be done.

[D'Animal]

There is a place in Chowchilla, CA that does galvanizing on big things.

I think the last time I checked they were charging $40.00 per pound.

[Waorani]

I had my frame hot-dip galvanized - primarily because it was the easiest/cheapest way to clean it and protect it. Pics in my build thread below.

[Christian]

I had it done too, like said above, you have to re-thread all bolt holes and mine ended up weighing 100 pounds more! I would do it again though.

[gettocruiser]

I am partners in a metal coatings business in vancouver b.c.,we finish sand blasted metal with a tool call a flame sprayer. just to let you know there are options besides dipping your frame. to hot dip you need a tank big enough to fit the entire frame. the flame sprayer is a gun that works kind of like a paint gun except it uses gases and air to melt wire.
I don't know what hot dipping would cost, but(to put it in perspective)I would probably charge $500-700. to do a frame.
and for the threaded holes... just thread a bolt into the hole before you treat it, remove it when finished. They should know that.
galvanizing might get the hard to reach places(inside the boxed frame) better then the flame sprayer, but if the spot is that hard to get at than it won't be sandblasted anyway.
hope this info has some value to you.
If you are interested in flame spraying, ask your local sand blasting shops if they know anyone who does it.
Our business is primarily mining and fishboats... and you must know about steel and ocean water.

[Christian]

When I finish all the bodywork, the body goes out to get flame-sprayed. There is a company here that has specialized in treating cars. But thanks for the info!

[Wildman]

I had my frame done (look at pics in build thread) localy, had it media blasted first. Galv cost me $225 all said and done including purchase of new frame I am into it for about $500.

It was dipped in a HUGE tank, and then came out on a fork lift. If I had planned a bit better I could have done it in one day. My tip would be to find out who does Guard rails and fences for big projects I think that was why mine was cheeper, because it was under their minimum price. They typicaly do it by weight, weight in, and weight out, you pay for what you take with you.

I would defentily do it again, but I would stuff Tape in the threaded holes, would have saved me alot of time and effort to retap them. If you put a bolt in there you take a chance of chipping around the hole when you remove the bolt.

[gettocruiser]

another advantage to metalizing is that you can metalize in a number of different alloys in addition to zinc(molybendinum, titanium,aluminium, copper, gold...)
we had a ferrari guy bringing us headers to aluminize. zinc burns at too low a temp to be used on exhaust headers and manifold because of the heat.