[kpbrown31]

I've used POR-15, Chassis Saver and the Summit Racing brand of chassis paint. I will mostly be painting the engine bay/under hood area. There are some rusty areas, but I'm going to be sandblasting it down, so it should be clean metal for the most part.

I'm just curious what others prefer or think looks nice. I'm leaning towards ordering Summit, but I wanted to hear out other options out of curiosity. Thanks!

[dataway]

For me it's an epoxy primer topped with semi-gloss Rustoleum.

[kpbrown31]

Originally Posted by dataway

For me it's an epoxy primer topped with semi-gloss Rustoleum.

You know it seems a couple years ago when I was searching around on here I remember a lot of people liking the epoxy primer option. I want to say there was a specific brand people preferred but I can’t recall it.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by kpbrown31

You know it seems a couple years ago when I was searching around on here I remember a lot of people liking the epoxy primer option. I want to say there was a specific brand people preferred but I can’t recall it.

SPI. A friend just did a complete body & frame of a 73 firebird, the SPI epoxy looks excellent, as good or better than any paint Ive seen and almost like a powder coat but much harder and no orange peel. He lefty it bare epoxy in the underhood areas since they dont get sun exposure.

SPI has a very picky cure time for top coating or body work so be sure to read the instructions if you decide to use it.

[BB70]

Another vote for SPI epoxy. Have to spray it at a lower pressure. Great support and help on their paint forum.

John

[cmoc-bob]

MasterCraft is an agricultural paint, watch this and see what you think. Guy that does these does some very good testing.........

YouTube "Repair Geek"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TABWPHutk-A

[fairwayhit]

+1 more for SPI epoxy black. Very easy to spray. I’ve only used a few different chassis paints, but I really like the SPI. No need to top coat it for a chassis. It goes on really soft and it sort of self levels a little. Very easy to sand any blemishes and add another coat. Once it cures, it is rock hard.


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[bdk1976]

SPI is often recommended on various forums. It's likely a good product - I have admittedly not used it yet - but is it really that much better than any other epoxy? I've used Kirker and other 'off-brand' stuff in the past with no complaints - I have some summit epoxy sitting in my cart now for a order in the near future (possibly the same kirker stuff I've used in the past - not sure what they are relabeling these days). Looks to be about $300 for a gallon of epoxy and catalyst (+ shipping?). Summit comes in at less than $150 for the same amount. What makes SPI worth the extra $150+ over summit?

On other forums/threads I've read that SPI has excellent 'support', you can call the owner (not sure if this is still true), etc. Maybe that's indeed the case, but how much assistance can one possibly need to mix and spray some 1:1 epoxy that comes with instructions?

[78w72]

Other epoxy primers are good products, I have used another brand for small areas and my painter has used others on full cars inside & out with good results.

SPI is a better quality product overall, especially for the endura bumper guys on firebirds & GTO's, its is much more flexible that standard epoxy primers which is whats needed for those bumpers. Something about it must be different since it has such strict cure times & timeframes for body filler or top coat primer to be applied.

For the average car other brands are fine, just might not look as mice if left uncoated, the one I used was a greenish color & very flat, SPI black is very good looking when left uncoated, looks better than many chassis type paints Ive seen.

[Entropy11]

Another vote for SPI Epoxy. As a side note it flattens well if you’re going for a slightly more “concourse-ish” look with very little extra work. That all-over uniform everything-shiny look just doesn’t sit well with me if I’m going through all that trouble to strip & prime the underbody/frame (admittedly just my own personal mental hang-up… lol).

Some pics here if you’re curious: https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...oxy+flattening

[carcrazy]

In the past I have always used PPG DP but have switched to SPI. I like it and it is also much more price friendly!

[rohrt]

Originally Posted by carcrazy

In the past I have always used PPG DP but have switched to SPI. I like it and it is also much more price friendly!

glad someone said this. I have always used PPG DP90. I may need to switch after this.

[heckinohio]

Been 35 or so years since I painted the chassis and fender wells on my '61 wagon with what I remember to be the above paint.

On an occasion about 20 years ago, I noticed a wet spot in the floor just behind where the front bumper was bolted to the frame. Next day or so, spot was bigger. Raised the hood to find the combination side and top post battery was leaking out of one of the unused sidepost bolt holes. There was a distinct track down the battery into the tray, out the hole in its bottom, and, across the frame and then dripping onto the concrete floor. After removing the battery, I simply wiped the stain and residue off with a wet paper towel. There was and is no sign that battery acid ran across those areas.

PJH

[70GS455]

I have had the MasterCoat system on my chassis for about 14 years. Has worked out great.
https://nomorerust.com/store/16-rust-stop-paints

[skunkwerks]

DP-90 only way to go. Good stuff. Good 60/40 gloss finish.

[jww]

FYI……My PPG jobber also sells a line called Shopline; paints, primers, activators , reducers etc.
I’ve been using their epoxy primers for past couple years and so far I have no complaints. Mixes 2:1. Can thin to taste 👅
Follow directions and adhere to the recommended 72 hour recoat window.

J Well

[Spicewood1]

A million votes for SPI epoxy. Best I've ever used. Affordably priced too, but I'd buy it anyway. Sprays awesome, flows out great, sands great, fills great

[Cammer-6]

Originally Posted by dataway

For me it's an epoxy primer topped with semi-gloss Rustoleum.

Another vote for SPI
In areas that are exposed to sunlight I like the semi gloss Rustoleum,but I add hardener