Powder Coating Drive
 

Has anyone had any experience powder coating Bravo Lower Units? How did they do it? How it it turn out? It it hold up?

Any opinions would be helpful.

Thanks

I would paint them,,,think powdercoating will keep the heat in?!
Plus ,the lowers should actually be a little ruff not smoth.
LESS DRAG = faster.

I would sand them nice.

haven't done a drive but have done some other stuff. I would not do it because unlike paint, powder coat kind of wraps the part and doesnt chemically bond to it. So if a corner comes lose you get corrosion under the whole piece and it pulls off it in strips. Paint just wears off.

Great feedback and never though of either of these downsides! It appears that paint will be way to go. Anyone have suggestions on what is best paint to use for drives? Also what is best preparation. Currently drives are in good shape but want to paint to match hardware which is clear powder. Rough sand and coat over?
Attachment 372461

if you clear them ,,u will get a smoth finish,,,,,,i would just sand them and leave them aluminum.

Spray with WD 40 after each run and be done with them.

I now a buddy of mine got his lower #6's done in NC ,,,they looked sweet, he sandet them in a nice way with a D-A i quess ,,so that the surface looked perfect like fishscales in the aluminum and shined like polished.

Bravo Paint
 

Hey I have done 5 sets of Bravos. Powder coating is too thick and does not let the heat excape and way to hard to touch up if chipped or damaged. the best way and most durable way I have found is using a very good Zink primer witch is the best to adhear to the castings. The Paint I have found to be best and closest to the Merc Black is Dupli-Color high heat Engine enamel. Has held up good for me. Can send pics if you like

I have powdered several drives. Never had a problem, very durable and easy to clean. Even with a 2 step transparent color.

So would it be better just simply to remove old paint and polish the bare metal?

Don't polish it if you want speed. Most believe that if you sand the lower with 150 grit you pick up a little speed and it is easier to keep clean.

Yep,,,,150 gritt and go !!!!!!!!!!!!