Painting dragster frame

May 09, 2025, 01:37 AM

I'm getting ready to paint a new dragster frame and I'm thinking of doing it in Hammertone.....I've seen a few chassis done with this over the years and while it isn't my cup of tea I do remember it looking kinda highend/professional....

Thoughts ??

May 09, 2025, 07:11 AM

BD104X

Hammertone fell out of popularity quite a few years ago so in my opinion it will just make the car look dated. Personally, if the chassis is all apart, I would powder coat but either way, plain black or silver is your best bet... clean looking, neutral and easy to touch up.

May 09, 2025, 12:02 PM

CAD

It is all personal preference. I too am not a fan of hammertone.

May 09, 2025, 12:13 PM

Big Steve

You may have a problem getting a chassis cert with Hammertone because of how thick it is

May 09, 2025, 12:24 PM

diceman1530

I would powder coat what ever color you choose.
Painting pipe is no fun !!

May 09, 2025, 01:11 PM

FootbrakeJim

quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
You may have a problem getting a chassis cert with Hammertone because of how thick it is

I agree it seems to be a thicker coating with Hammertone. Now you've got me wondering how much of a weight difference there is. And how much the total weight & weight difference is between regular paint vs. powdercoat. Not that it matters in bracket racing. I bet some Comp Eliminator guys know.

May 09, 2025, 04:23 PM

7065comp

How many Comp Pipe cars do you see with a painted chassis? That should answer the question. Not trying to be a smart a_ _.

May 09, 2025, 06:06 PM

joe Diry

Hammertone is no longer alllowed for new chassis certs for NHRA. It is grandfathered in for reverts in some classes.

May 09, 2025, 06:11 PM

Top355x

I had a friend paint mine and we used a follow of paint at end of it all once paying for primer and sealer and paint would’ve been same money as powder coating there is a ton of wasted paint on a chassis

May 09, 2025, 06:12 PM

Top355x

quote:
Originally posted by Top355x:
I had a friend paint mine and we used a gallon of paint at end of it all once paying for primer and sealer and paint would’ve been same money as powder coating there is a ton of wasted paint on a chassis

May 10, 2025, 07:11 AM

Curly1

One of my cars was powder coated and I will never do that again! Hate it! When I have to add a bracket or anything it is hard to get it cleaned and get a good weld and never looks very good after you touch it up. I like simple gloss black paint. Easy to touch up and looks good.

One of the guys here said hammertone is no longer allowed for chassis cert so that right there would eliminate that option for me if it that is true.

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May 10, 2025, 07:05 PM

wideopen231

Second for would not [owder coat. As Bruce stated can not add or remove and touch up. If painting I would go with decent primer and rattle can. Easy t touch u[. fairly cheap. Are upside. Not most scratch chip resistent,but easy touch up. Persoanlly regretting every painting mine. thinking abut stipping and going raw pipe. Yea wiping down with rag and oil they use on fuel and Alky cars is minor pain. Yor can scotch bite and rub dwon any areas you don't hit very often if surface oxidation.

If want show car finish and not working on anything much thats looks greatIf spray gun you will have more paint not on chassis than is on it when done.,just not for me.

May 11, 2025, 09:51 PM

seabass

I would powdercoat as well... I painted one once, never again...

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May 12, 2025, 08:36 AM

TD3550

A couple of guys i know have new cars. Will not paint them . Scuff and occasionally spray them down.Makes it easy on chassis and weld inspections.

May 12, 2025, 05:27 PM

wideopen231

quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
You may have a problem getting a chassis cert with Hammertone because of how thick it is

I agree it seems to be a thicker coating with Hammertone. Now you've got me wondering how much of a weight difference there is. And how much the total weight & weight difference is between regular paint vs. powdercoat. Not that it matters in bracket racing. I bet some Comp Eliminator guys know.

It weighs nothing. I know because everyone here told me so last time I mentioned it. I heard about 5 to 7 lbs way back in 90's when fuel cars started running bare metal chassis. Then it was some dumb guy named Lee Beard that said it. Just saying.

May 13, 2025, 07:28 AM

BD104X

quote:
Originally posted by wideopen231:
quote:
Originally posted by FootbrakeJim:
quote:
Originally posted by Big Steve:
You may have a problem getting a chassis cert with Hammertone because of how thick it is

I agree it seems to be a thicker coating with Hammertone. Now you've got me wondering how much of a weight difference there is. And how much the total weight & weight difference is between regular paint vs. powdercoat. Not that it matters in bracket racing. I bet some Comp Eliminator guys know.

It weighs nothing. I know because everyone here told me so last time I mentioned it. I heard about 5 to 7 lbs way back in 90's when fuel cars started running bare metal chassis. Then it was some dumb guy named Lee Beard that said it. Just saying.

This is good news.... when I get 2 or 3 new chassis a year and have a crew of 8 guys I can tell to pull all of the panels and wipe the chassis down with oily rags, I will listen to Lee Beard. Until then, I will powder coat a bracket car chassis as it's durable, long lasting and only slightly more money than quality paint.