DE-BLINGING IT
Ridding the Cossie of its Nineties’ chrome, Dan takes an OEM-plus approach under the bonnet
QUICK SPEC YBB with 205 block and Stage 3 chip ■ RS500 intercooler ■ T34.48 turbo ■ Gaz GHA coilovers ■ Powerflex bushes ■ Hose Technik brake hoses ■ RS500-type splitter ■ Compomotive MO5 7.5x17in rims ■ Momo rear wheel spacers
Powder-coating has long been a crucial finish for the car restorer – the chance to replicate a factory look and add a durable coating is ideal for a classic (or any car, for that matter) you intend to use on British roads.
It’s cost-effective, of course, and it’s a very simple procedure: blast off the old paint, spray on the powder, and bake it in the oven. Easy-peasy, right?
Not necessarily. In fact, in recent years I’d used local powder-coaters and never been happy with the results. It turns out that, like pretty much any trade or profession, there’s a skill to powder-coating. It’s also clear that a good powder-coater takes pride and passion in their job. You want someone to work on your car? You choose someone who’s into cars. Obvious, innit?
Well, it should be. So I’d actually given up on powder-coating, and instead decided to wet-paint all of the components on my threedoor Cosworth.
Until, that was, I met Simon at SW Powdercoat & Cerakote. I used Simon to powder-coat a chimney flue for my house, and soon discovered that not only is he a true car enthusiast – he runs a modified Peugeot (forgive him) as a daily – he has turned powder-coating into an art form.
You want two-tone powder-coating? No problem. You want a chrome effect? Step this way. You want a custom wrinkle finish with mottled carbon-fibre streaks and the dripping blood of 1000 virgins? Well, maybe not that. But you get the idea.
Sadly, my brief was only to transform my Sierra’s underbonnet bling into a more OElooking affair, so I asked Simon to powdercoat the shiny bits in matt black – including the header tank, breather, bonnet prop, cone filter housing and strut brace. The existing stainless turbo heat shield was too in-your-face, so Simon treated it to a smooth layer of Cerakote – which not only leaves a daintily satin finish but will also withstand the temperatures of a T34 being put to good use.
Best of all, Simon’s also invested huge effort into powder-coating my YB rocker cover with an original-looking and gently-handpolished finish. He also offers a machined option, but I prefer the authentic effect for a 36-year-old Ford.
Now I need to get the rear suspension off the Sierra for full refurb; no prizes for guessing where it’s going.