powdercoat together

[chevy42083]

Just received some control arms and there is one issue with them. :(

The shafts are bushingless, and therefore they MUST be installed before arms can be welded together. So, by default, they had to be powdercoated like that. Now there is a layer of powdercoat holding the shaft from spinning in the arm.

Any suggestions to break them loose without cracking or chipping the powder coat off?

Thinking about using an exacto knife and carefully cutting/stabbing along the seam.

[Transamman25]

Can i get a pic so i can make the best reccomendation ? I do a little powder coating on the side.

[chevy42083]

Yeah, I'll try to get some up tonight.

The reply from the company was
"Normally he cuts them with a razor Knife. I know he has been backed up & probably missed a few sets. My apologies."

I have begun to "score" along the line/seam with a knife (during lunch hour at work). Not really trying to cut all the way through, but at least provide a line/score to crack along. Still afraid once the shaft spins it'll start flaking at the edges. I have red high temp paint to cover spots... but you know... would rather not. :(

[chevy42083]

If you remove ".sized" from the pic properties you can see the 3000x2300pixel images.

http://s-seriesforum.com/albums/album470/100_0794.sized.jpg

http://s-seriesforum.com/albums/album470/100_0797.sized.jpg

http://s-seriesforum.com/albums/album470/100_0798.sized.jpg

[Adam]

I have some powdercoat experience and what I would do is either cut it with a razer blade like you said or the harder way.. run a 1/8" carbide dremel bit all the way around the ring you want to cut. This will give you an 1/8 gap to play with so the powdercoat seams aren't rubbing each other loose. Once you have your 1/8 gaps you can leave it alone or hang the part in your oven at home for about 8 minutes at 350º and all jagged edges will smooth out as the powder cures itself again.