After sand-blasting with fine grit and low pressure, I had all parts of my 1942 M20(including spokes and nipples !) powder-coated with dull RAL6014 as a primer, and put on a final layer of 1944 army green with a rattle can. Scratches and other superficial damage will not penetrate the hard powder coating. Not something for the rivet counters and purists, but now I have a reasonable chance the bike will survive another 70 years...:relieved:
I did quite a bit of research on this and found a chap who was ready for retiring that year in his seventies. He said his first job as an apprentice was mixing up the lead paints for the mod and as I was trying to find someone to do the same he offered to help.
He said that often the mod did not use a primer as the lead chromate paint stuck like something to s blanket, and was almost impenetrable, but some did use a thinned down khaki green as a light undercoat to really protect them.
He offered to make me a small tin of each as project samples, paid for on the understanding that when my massive contract came to fruition, they would get first bite at the order. With a wry smile, I accepted and it has been sat in the den waiting to go on my 1944 m20 when it is ready.
Work has stalled my progress for the last 18 months, but I am getting back on track and looking forward to the build. I have tested the undercoat on the frame and it really does look tough.
I just need to remember not to lick the paint when finished !
Darren
