I have a 400ex and when i bought it used it had blue racing plastic along with it. My frame has started to rust so I have pulled everything out of it but not I dont know what to do. What is powdercoating? Do i need it. My neighbor suggested that I get some steel wool and sand down the frame, prime it, and then get some paint that can withstand hi temperatures. DO i have to powdercoat? THanks

 

If I were you, I would have it sandblasted and powdercoated. If you look around in your area, you can usually find a place that will sandblast a frame for around $50, and a place to powdercoat for around $75. If you have trouble finding a place to powdercoat your frame, look for a place that does teflon coating on tooling(plastics manufacturing), they are usually set up for powdercoating also. If you find an industrial place that doesn't advertise "powdercoating atv frames", and talk nice to the guy on phone, they will usually do it for you pretty cheap compared to what you find advertised in the back of the magazines.

 

But is it really neccesary? If I dont do it will my frame be really weak?

 

It won't be "weak" but the paint will be.
Paint tends to chip off easy, while powder coating is very durable. Besides that i've never found any type of spray paint that is durable enough, so if you are going to paint it then you'll have to get automotive quality paint which will cost just as much as powdercoating and you still won't have as good a finish.
mike

 

I have pretty much every piece of metal powdercoated on my 400. Besides the benefit of good looks, it will make your frame stronger.
I would highly recommend powdercoating over the spray can.

 

If I was you I would send your frame to Lost Creek Cycle. Kevin Mummah (the owner) can reinforce and powdercoat your frame for a good price. He does Doug Gust's 400EX chassis and several other pro and pro/am national bikes. Phone # is 1-717-463-9173

 

Derek, Powdercoating works great, no you dont really need it but if you just paint your frame the paint will come off as it is now. If you get in powercoated it will look and last longer like new. Anodizing stays on even better than powdercoating but either hold up better than regular paint.

 

have any of you guys tried powdercoating at home?

is it just as good if you sent it out?

 

Supposedly the home powder coating known as hot coat works pretty good BUT you can't fit a frame in a regular oven so that won't work.
Mike

 

they make a lamp that you move around now that cooks the paint. can do big projects with it.