Refinishing Drive Paint

[RaceCarRich]

Refinishing my B3 this winter. Want it to last. Read all I could.

Almost done sanding by hand and with roloc discs for aluminum on a die grinder. There are some bare spots especially edges, corners, high spots, loose paint, etc. For prep I want to use the Alumiprep 33 & Alodine 1201 or DX-533 & DX-503.

1) Are these two systems exactly the same or is one better?

2) Where is the cheapest source to get them (NJ, US)? They ain’t cheap and it’s seems like a QT is a lot more than is needed and they have a limited shelf life.

3) I know the 533 gets diluted. Are these just brush-on prep products?

4) Will these do any harm to the sanded paint next to the bare spots that I am applying these chemicals to?

I plan on using Zinc Chromate primer and Outdrive paint. I’ve read about using a second primer between the two but most don’t mention it.

Other than gloves and using a mask with ZC primer, any other tips?

Thanks

 

[dingbat]

I refinished my lower unit 5 years ago.

Had it sand blasted. Cleaned with purple power then sprayed two coats of zinc chromate, sanding in between coats.

Used Evinrude OEM rattle cans for top coat followed up 2 coats with clear coat.

Still looks as good as new

 

[RaceCarRich]

That would be so great. Do you keep your boat in the water & fresh or salt? I keep mine in a slip seasonally in brackish.

 

[RaceCarRich]

Any other opinions from experience? Is a good cleaning before primer sufficient for bare metal spots in order to obtain durability on a drive stored in a brackish slip? Would much prefer this route but don’t want to do it a again.

Thanks

 

[RaceCarRich]

I’m getting close to decision time and was wondering about any other real world experience and durability.

Thanks all

 

[Scott Danforth]

You basically need to sand the bare aluminum, use either, and spray zinc chromate primer within hours

Bare aluminum must be primed within hours or the surface oxidation that forms will prevent the zinc primer from doing its job

 

[RaceCarRich]

Okay. I think I’ll do a light final sanding and then cleaning right before priming.

Thanks