Having left Kushi KA for
servicing/MOT testing, Meg the magic (Nissan) Micra spirited us to Maldon Shot
blasting & Powder coating for the grand finale’. Upon arrival, Chris had
already tended the affected areas with Metafil-an aluminium based filler that
seems much sleeker than thermal putties, although care is needed to avoid
generating air bubbles since these can bleed through during the final curing
phase.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given
its age, there’s trace, corrosion induced pitting along the inner, drive-side
chainstay, thankfully long dormant and before my adoption. This superficial
scarring won’t present in the final colour coat, nonetheless, Chris leaves
nothing to chance and gives said section a final, precautionary tickling in the
glass bead cabinet.
Three minutes later, we’re
ready for masking and that all-important zinc phosphate primer. Pedants might
advocate chromates but the former is much kinder to personnel and planet while
performance differentials are negligible. Indeed this brand cures with
phenomenal, seemingly elastic tenacity given ten minutes at 200 degrees
whereupon Chris graciously offers to create an exotic two-tone effect with no
cost implication. However, accepting such would be tantamount to bladder
milking, so we commence with RAL5024-pastel (sometimes called “French”) blue.
Being an electrostatic
process, there’s no wastage and he achieves comprehensive, even coverage in
five minutes, lovingly hanging it in their walk in oven for a further ten. At
this juncture decals can be applied and sealed under a two-pack lacquer but I
prefer a quiet, mysterious air. Speaking of which, there’s no need to clear
coat-a finish of this calibre will look resplendent for many years. However, an
acrylic was applied since opportunity presented itself.
Unlike polyesters, there’s
no risk of crazing but acrylics cannot be sprayed to warm surfaces; hence said
chassis sits patiently for twenty minutes beforehand. Lacquers appear white for
sprayer convenience but form a glossy invisible barrier within the oven. Job
done, we are reunited and homeward bound. Once again, I’d like to thank Lee Cooper
(www.leecoopercycles.webs.com) and MSBC (http://ctc-powder-coating.co.uk/) for
their remarkable generosity of spirit and obviously, taking such good care of
my beloved frame.
In the days since, I’ve
reinstated the sealed square taper bottom bracket and am reflecting on headsets
while doing some post (successful pass) MOT sill surgery- Kushi’s are sound,
though demanded sanding and marine primer TLC to halt the silent killer’s
relentless advances during the grottier months. Now, off to play with some
700x29 tyres!
