I am running the SOHC n/a motor, which is fuel injected. No turbo. This engine configuration has the torque curve lower in the rpm range than the WRX versions. Off road driving requires low end torque, not high rpm power. This car is driven, and driven hard. It is a full tube chassis. I built it about 17 years ago, and have been fixing/upgrading things ever since. It even has electric power steering.

 

Arrangements are made! The Dakota chassis is off for blasting tomorrow morning. I guess I should start shopping for POR15. I am going to use the "brush on" product due to the outside temps. I'm not going to attempt to spray in my shop. Too much stuff in there I don't want paint dust on.

 

I used Chassis Saver paint. It's pretty much the same thing, and is half the price. (at least, it was when I bought it.) The stuff is TOUGH. I used it in the belt well, and the underside of my 72 inch mower deck when I rebuilt it. I got some where I didn't really want it, and had to use a grinder to get it off, the sandblaster wouldn't even touch it....

 

Thanks for the tip! I will search it out. Cutting and grinding after painting the chassis will not be avoidable since I have to make my own cab and bed mounts, hang the core support, etc.

 

I see guys with Kubota tractors with several year old buckets with the paint still intact. And they use it for spreading gravel. No idea what they use but it’s incredible. Likely powder coat but not sure of the product they use.

 

There is also Imron paint.... They use it on aircraft. It's tough, and durable, however, it's a pain to apply. You can't just do sections at a time, gotta do the whole panel, else you get odd 'layering' affect..... Not cheap either.

 

I was hoping to see the chassis come back from the blasters yesterday, but it won't happen until next week. And it's snowing. Again. All of my projects are waiting on something - either parts, services, or temperature. It's one of those rare times when nothing can move forward, but the shop is ready for a bare steel frame!

 

Subarus! My first love. 220hp out of an N/A buddy that's something.

I've also used Chassis Saver on the floors of my truck and it's damn strong. With proper prep you'll be very happy with it or POR-15. Though I used SPI Epoxy Primer on my frame.

 

Now this is what I call a fresh start! The guy did a pretty thorough job. I'm happy.

 

Suhweeet.