Primer question and taking apart VLS to powdercoat question

[GrantReuter]

First I have self etching primer that say for metal use, but doesn't have list fiberglass on. I have regular surfacer primer for my paint guns but can't use that as easily so I wanted to check if self etching stuff will still work fine of fiberglass.

Second, What is the easiest way to pull the VLS hinges apart? I want to get them powdercoated but figure I should take out the bearings in them first. Any suggestions?

[kywhitelightning]

I rattlecanned the hinges and I used etching primer on them first. There is going to be wear near all the moving parts so the paint will rub off. Keeping them lubed will be your best line for rust prevention in these areas. They can be disassembled but it's almost not worth it because like I already said the paint will rub off with the hinges movement. As far as FG goes IDK.

Jeff

[GrantReuter]

That's why I want to powdercoat not paint it won't rub off like paint will. The paint question is entirely different but I found online the etching part of the primer causes fiberglass/bondo to breakdown so I don't want to use that.

[kywhitelightning]

When the door swings out it will rub off whatever you put on it. That's why I suggested lubing it often. The only other trouble spot is when the hinge comes down to the stop. Trust me it will come off there too.

Jeff

[J_Parker]

When the door swings out it will rub off whatever you put on it. That's why I suggested lubing it often. The only other trouble spot is when the hinge comes down to the stop. Trust me it will come off there too.

Jeff

Actually. Rather than just rubbing off, in my expreiance on things like hinges the powdercoat will actually chip off. Your're better off just rattle caning them and keeping them well lubed. Just my $0.02

[stealthee]

I dont think powdercoating moving parts is the brightest idea.

[kywhitelightning]

Rub off, chip off; it's the same result in the end I guess. No paint in certain spots and constant lubing required as I stated above.

Jeff

[GrantReuter]

Cool guys thanks for the advice.

[2fnloud]

Not only that, but if you did powder coat them you will have problems getting the pieces back together. the power coating adds just enough dimensional change that you would end up chipping it off just to put your hinges back together.

I had a custom motor mount for my Saturn powder coated, after I got it back I needed to file the powder coating off just to get the bolts to go through the mounting holes.

[J_Parker]

Rub off, chip off; it's the same result in the end I guess. No paint in certain spots and constant lubing required as I stated above.

Jeff

How is your VLS Jeff? I was thinking of getting a kit, but wasn't sure of their stability, nothing bothers me more than them being wobbly.

[GrantReuter]

How is your VLS Jeff? I was thinking of getting a kit, but wasn't sure of their stability, nothing bothers me more than them being wobbly.

I've never had any issues with mine however I have one of the first models so they might have changed since then. The doors are so bastardizingly heavy that there isn't really much wobble when they are up.

[kywhitelightning]

I like them. As far as wobbly goes, I guess that could be to the end users discretion. It's really difficult to keep a moving part that reaches so far out from the pivot point still. There is plenty of stregth in the amount of metal used in them, but they do flex a little when swinging all the way up. It's definitely not a design flaw, it's just physics. I'm extremely finicky when it comes to my car and I really like them. I didn't like putting them on but I LOVE the attention they grab when the doors go up. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you got a set. They'll really enhance the natural beauty your car already has. I'll see if I can get a video up of what I mean a little later.

Jeff

[J_Parker]

I like them. As far as wobbly goes, I guess that could be to the end users discretion. It's really difficult to keep a moving part that reaches so far out from the pivot point still. There is plenty of stregth in the amount of metal used in them, but they do flex a little when swinging all the way up. It's definitely not a design flaw, it's just physics. I'm extremely finicky when it comes to my car and I really like them. I didn't like putting them on but I LOVE the attention they grab when the doors go up. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you got a set. They'll really enhance the natural beauty your car already has. I'll see if I can get a video up of what I mean a little later.

Jeff

Awesome, thanks for the info guys muchly appreciated! I'll have to look into a set for the summer months.

[kywhitelightning]

I couldn't choose which video was better for showing what I was talking about so I'll put up both. They sag a bit in the cooler temps and I was trying to emphasize the wiggling for the videos.


http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr316/jjd222002/?action=view&current=SDC10127.mp4


http://s495.photobucket.com/albums/rr316/jjd222002/?action=view&current=SDC10128-1.mp4

Jeff

[J_Parker]

That's great man, given the weight of our doors they seem pretty stable. When I pick up a kit I may find a way to reduce the outward swing by about 1/2. Would you say the wobble is a little more to do with the structure on the door as well as the mounting of the VLS to the shell of the car? I was thinking reinforcing the base mount of the hinge from the inside would be very beneficial. Even so, none the less they are very good looking and seem stable as is. Thanks again.

[kywhitelightning]

You aren't going to reduce the outward swing much more than what I have mine set at even though it is completely adjustable. If you look at the top front of the door there is a weather stripping that will get caught in the overhang of the a-pillar if you bring it in too close. I have to remind new people that ride in my car to keep the door out while pulling it down to avoid tearing up the weather stripping.

Jeff