Dunking Bulkhead Door Posts in Primer

[JackIIA]

Looking for thoughts on using a general multi-purpose primer to dunk the door posts and upper bulkhead internals (similiar to what ECR does). I'm sure Mike S. uses ppg or something topshelf, but what about just using an off-the-shelf product like Home Depot's Zinnser?

The directions say it can be used on bare steel, galvanized steel, alum., etc. My plan is to dunk the bulkhead and then media blast the external areas back to bare metal, then paint with a proper automotive paint. But given how much paint is required to fill a dunking tank, I don't want to buy 5 gals of the auto specific stuff.

[Eric W S]

Originally Posted by JackIIA

Looking for thoughts on using a general multi-purpose primer to dunk the door posts and upper bulkhead internals (similiar to what ECR does). I'm sure Mike S. uses ppg or something topshelf, but what about just using an off-the-shelf product like Home Depot's Zinnser?

The directions say it can be used on bare steel, galvanized steel, alum., etc. My plan is to dunk the bulkhead and then media blast the external areas back to bare metal, then paint with a proper automotive paint. But given how much paint is required to fill a dunking tank, I don't want to buy 5 gals of the auto specific stuff.

Why dunk then strip then paint?

Just strip galvanize and be done with it. Mike's claims of longevity with epoxy primer is suspect IMO...

[kevkon]

Originally Posted by JackIIA

Looking for thoughts on using a general multi-purpose primer to dunk the door posts and upper bulkhead internals (similiar to what ECR does). I'm sure Mike S. uses ppg or something topshelf, but what about just using an off-the-shelf product like Home Depot's Zinnser?

The directions say it can be used on bare steel, galvanized steel, alum., etc. My plan is to dunk the bulkhead and then media blast the external areas back to bare metal, then paint with a proper automotive paint. But given how much paint is required to fill a dunking tank, I don't want to buy 5 gals of the auto specific stuff.

You would be wasting your time. First off, that's a latex primer. Latex is particular about clean surfaces. How did or could you clean those internal areas? Second, latex has a high molecular cohesion. In other words, it doesn't flow out well. Third, if it's rust your trying to prevent the best method is to provide a means for trapped moisture to escape. Even the best paints and coatings will eventually succumb if there subjected to constant moisture. Personally, I'd either have it galvanized or make sure all cavities can "breath" or vent, prime and paint what can be, then us a quality anti corrosive coating ( waxoyl, 3M, etc) to get into the cavities.

[Mercedesrover]

Originally Posted by kevkon

You would be wasting your time.

X2. That's for your kitchen. Use automotive products on automobiles.

[JackIIA]

Glad I asked, lesson learned (and big mess averted). Well, I'll probably just shoot it as best I can with automotive paint, then go with the waxoyl.

But to your points on the galv. front, have any of you actually had your bulkhead dipped? I've just assumed it was crazy expensive.

If so, what did it run you $...if you don't mind. Thanks, Jack.

[crankin]

It all depends on who is doing it. I found a company here in East TN that dunked 200 lbs. for $150.

[redmondrover]

Our bulkhead, tunnel cover, core support, new T-posts and some custom side steps are being chemically stripped right now in Portland. Pricey at $600 for the lot. Don't know what the galvanizing will run yet. That is a couple of weeks away after new footwells are welded in.

[kevkon]

Jack, you might want to explore some alternatives to plating. Modern anti-corrosive coatings have come a long way and offer some disinct advantages over zinc plating.

[Eric W S]

Originally Posted by JackIIA

Glad I asked, lesson learned (and big mess averted). Well, I'll probably just shoot it as best I can with automotive paint, then go with the waxoyl.

But to your points on the galv. front, have any of you actually had your bulkhead dipped? I've just assumed it was crazy expensive.

If so, what did it run you $...if you don't mind. Thanks, Jack.

I'll tell you how much when Ike gives me the bill.

But generally it's not that expensive at all.

[Jim-ME]

What are the alternatives? Living in Maine is really limiting my realistic options.
Jim