Quote Originally Posted by rspears View Post
I'll offer my snow belt comment again. If you live in an area where snow/ice melt chemicals are used and you ever intend to drive in the winter when roads may be treated you may want to think hard before using powder coating. It is a thin film with very little flex, and if you get any flaw like a rock chip, scratch, gap at a inside corner, etc, that lets moisture in your frame will rust beneath the coating and you may not know it until the damage is extensive. It is interesting (to me) that everyone high on powder coating is in a sun belt area with little or no snow threat.
I would respectfully disagree

The main benefit to powder coating is that it is applied at a higher film build than paint typically, on frames we usually apply between 3-5 mils. paint is usually considerably thinner than that.

The main advantage to powder coat vs most paints is it's flexibility.
I have on many occasion bent test panels past 90* befor any type of de lamination begins. most paints will not do this... not even close

No matter the coating, once the coating is scratched to the substrate, the potential for rust and corrosion to begin is greatly increased.

I live in the snow belt, exposed to the chems, and conditions you speak of, and am personally happy with the results I have with powder coated parts.

I must also say there is always more than one way to skin a cat.... or build a car. We all do what we know is the best for our cars, and budget.
I also realize that powder coat is not for everyone, I figured since it's what I do I would try to dispel a few myths

Respectfully
Josh