The paint on my 96 Scarab windshield frame is coming off and I want to repaint the frame this winter. It looks like an extruded aluminum frame. What is the best way to prep this frame and paint it? What kind of prep is needed , snad or chemical, what type of paint would be best, etc. The boat shows like new except for this crappy looking windshield frame.
Thanks
SAR

Satisfaction, If you can dissasemble it and get it back together again, I would check into having it sandblasted and powder coated if it were me! BTW I have a set of factory decals that fit in the side scoop of your boat if you are interested in them. They are brand new, still in the box!

customtouch.. I changed the graphics and will most likely leave the side scoops empty(white). I think the only graphics I will have is the Scarab name with drop shadow. Thanks

I thought about removing windshield and powder coating frame, but I didn't want it to look homemade .
I'm skilled at taking stuff apart but not sure I can do a real good job re-installing the frame.

I am pretty sure that it was powder coated from the factory and I think that you will have to take it apart any way to do it right! If I remember right there is a real soft foam rubber gasket between the windsheild and the frame that you will not be able to mask off without having problems!

customtouch
The paint on the frame isn't just coming off, I can peel it away. Does powder coat peel? I haven't a clue on this since it appears to be an aluminum frame. The frame is aluminum isn't it? Any idea how to start taking this thing off? Remove the windshield first, correct? then remove the screws that hold the frame pieces together? have you ever seen a manual with instructions on how to do this.
Thanks

Satisfaction, I don't know of any manual that shows a breakdown of the windsheid. I am afraid you will be on your own there! I never had mine apart so I can't be much help there! Just take your time studying it and I am sure you will be able to figure it out! After all, it went together so it has to be able to come apart!! GOOD LUCK!!!!

Thanks Customtouch. That is exactly what I was saying about the '64 Impala I had apart for 10 years, ets see this part goe where? It may be a long winter project. Thanks again.
SAR

I don't beleive it will be quite as complicated as taking apart a (CAR) and putting it back together again, however you might want to take alot of before, during, and after digital pictures of the dissasembly so you have a guide to go by when you put it back together again!! Have Fun

Not sure about your windshield but most usually have a rubber weather strip around the base....pull that out and there will probably be screws under it.....after that it should be a breeze unless theres backing nuts underneith!!! then you may get into pulling some of the interior and cockpit side panels off to get at the nuts!
As for painting it.....for aluminum i owuld have it sandblasted if possible then use a self etching primer for a base and start a normal paint from there....
But powder coating would probably be best in the long run as long as they prep it right Good luck

Wally, customtouch,

Thanks. I think I am going to try this as soon as I winterize. confidence is gaining.
thanks