The little bit that I know about this process is this, It can only bet
applied to a surface that has been sand blasted for better adhesion, and that
it doesn't go on hot...
This process called thermal spray has been around since the 40's, It
was invented by the Army Corp. They used it for Galvanizing bridges to
produce longer lasting structures. They also apply this coating to concrete,
wood and fiberglass.
As far as cost, It ranges a lot depending on type of coating, amount
of prep work, Condition of base material and so forth. I have been looking at
this system for quite some time now and think it would be very helpful in
refurbishing our old iron.
I know of several of suppliers for this type of operation, They are
all across the US and Canada. One of the biggest that I know of and have
talked to is Thermion, they are based in Washington State, There is a small
company named "RustBusters" They are in Clackamas, Oregon. Don't waste your
time with them, I have talked with people that have bought his system and are
not happy.. He sells a lot of blue sky.
The system that I am interested in buying is put out by Praxair and is
sold by a guy in Eatonville, Washington. He has been the most honest and
willing to answer questions for me, then anyone else. He runs a small shop
called RJ'S RUST REPAIR, last I talked to him he was 5 weeks behind and
taking more orders. The main cost is the machine and sand blasting equipment.
You also need a high volume air compressor. (60 cfm @ 90 lb. pressure)
The material can be sanded and prepped just like metal, Just don't
grind it with a hard disk. It is not very structural, but is very cosmetic. I
have seen the front fenders of the 55-59 pickups done, car trunks, deck lids,
floor pans, side body panels and so on. You can also coat your frame and
never worry about rust for a long long time.
I hope this answers some of your questions, if you would like more let
me know and will supply names and numbers for this system.
Thanks for listening
Jeffro
oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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