Being in the MidWest "Ice Belt" I have some serious reservations with powder coating anything that is going to have a chance of being exposed to the winter melt products used in this area. I have seen too many factory powder coated products end up hiding massive rust problems beneath their stiff film of "protection". From that respect I lean to painting the exposed surfaces. Based on what I am seeing, perhaps the right approach for me is to single stage the "unseen" parts of the frame, and to then proceed with BC/CC for the visible areas on the outside of the rails forward of the body line.

I am going to visit with a local powder coat guy in the near future to chat about his process, and how he believes it stands up to winter abuse. I do not know at this point how much winter time my ride will get, but I like to be prepared to say it is a 4 season vehicle, ready to go at any time.