Restoring a dipped 914, Anyone have one dipped and e-coated? Options

[IronHillRestorations]

I'm restoring a 914-6 that was dipped many years ago, and then stored.

The process destroyed the heater tubes in the longs, but I'm working on both of those so replacing them is a given.

Last weekend at Octeenerfest Bill Dunster (W Dunster) who is a rep for PPG suggested getting it re-dipped and e-coated. Sounds good to me, but there's some logistical challenges.

The original plan was to do all the rust repair, and chassis stiffening then treat the car with my corrosion treatment process, which while good, not as good as getting the whole car e-coated.

So if we were to proceed with e-coating, then of course stock paper heater tubes are off the table. This isn't a biggie, but as one who defaults to original build methods, I wonder about the trade offs of metal heater tubes; noise, heat loss, etc.

Anyone out there have a 914 dipped or restore a dipped 914?

Anyone have a 914 e-coated?

[Rob-O]

Anyone ever just replace the heater tubes with steel tubing?
Then close up the long and dip the car?

If I go with re-dipping and e-coat, that's exactly what I'll do.

I have been told there is a Faraday effect that can inhibit the e-coat from getting inside box sections of steel.

My initial plan was to do my own comprehensive corrosion treatment on the chassis after all the rust repair, and chassis stiffening is completed.

I've got about another week or so before I'll have to make a decision.

Great point. They are heavily insulated.

I wonder why it was a paper/foil piece instead of steel tubing. I can only think of two reasons why they didn't. Either it would have made the assembly of that part of the car more difficult (or expensive). Or they were worried about chassis flex and possibility that the tubing would fatigue and crack.

Sound muffling, and heat retention is my guess. They are heavily insulated.

Great point, they are heavily insulated.