CTP Tech
InTheGarageMedia.com
special coating on a classic truck
1. Specialty coatings can add performance plus unique styling accents for classic trucks.
The Ultimate in Surface Coatings?
An Inside Look at ZyCoat’s Super-Versatile ZyBar
BY RON COVELLIMAGES BY THE AUTHOR
W

e just learned of a special coating called ZyBar. A thin coating will reduce underhood temperatures by 40 percent. It actually increases the power output and fuel economy of the engine since it speeds the flow of the exhaust gases and it resists rust and corrosion. ZyBar is available in four colors—Bronze Satin, Midnight Black, cast (medium gray), and aluminum—and it can provide a nice accent in the engine compartment.

Some builders have been so enamored with this product that they use it for components that don’t need heat protection because it has a unique, satiny finish, and the colors available can harmonize with other colors or offer an interesting contrast. The truck pictured in this article was built by Vintage Fabrication, in Independence, Missouri. In addition to coating a number of underhood components with ZyBar, they used it as an accent color for the wheels, rearview mirrors, and some other components. As you can see, it provides a subtle but elegant contrast with polished metal or glossy paint.

ZyBar can be applied with a spray gun, and spray cans are available for some of their products. Proper surface preparation is essential; blasting with an aggressive media is recommended, and any traces of surface grease or oil must be eliminated before coating. The finish can be cured in a couple of hours if an oven is available. It can also be air-dried over a period of a few days. This makes the product well within the realm of the do-it-yourself builder.

ZyCoat also makes a clear, semigloss topcoat called ZyClear, which can be applied over ZyBar to give it a higher gloss, and it can be applied to many other surfaces, including stainless, chrome, or powdercoating. This finish cures at room temperature in one hour.

Take a look at some of the capabilities of these unique products, which may be ideal for your current project.

These wheels have been coated with Bronze Satin ZyBar, which provides a nice contrast with the polished metal.
2. These wheels have been coated with Bronze Satin ZyBar, which provides a nice contrast with the polished metal.
The rearview mirrors on this truck are ZyBar coated, too. The warm satin finish offers a very nice counterpoint to the high-gloss paint on the truck.
3. The rearview mirrors on this truck are ZyBar coated, too. The warm satin finish offers a very nice counterpoint to the high-gloss paint on the truck.
ZyBar was first developed for high-temperature environments, so it’s a natural for underhood components.
4. ZyBar was first developed for high-temperature environments, so it’s a natural for underhood components.
The intake manifold is protected with ZyBar, which can easily tolerate the heat it’s subjected to.
5. The intake manifold is protected with ZyBar, which can easily tolerate the heat it’s subjected to.
The headers are protected with ZyBar, too. Not only does this provide a great-looking finish that can tolerate intense heat, it helps reduce the heat transmission to the engine compartment, and it actually increases power and fuel economy because it allows exhaust gases to flow more efficiently.
6. The headers are protected with ZyBar, too. Not only does this provide a great-looking finish that can tolerate intense heat, it helps reduce the heat transmission to the engine compartment, and it actually increases power and fuel economy because it allows exhaust gases to flow more efficiently.
Proper surface preparation is key to getting a good surface bond. Blasting with a fairly aggressive media is recommended, and it’s important to protect the parts from any contamination before coating.
7. Proper surface preparation is key to getting a good surface bond. Blasting with a fairly aggressive media is recommended, and it’s important to protect the parts from any contamination before coating.
Here’s a close-up showing the partially blasted components.
8. Here’s a close-up showing the partially blasted components.
ZyBar can be applied with standard paint spraying equipment. Getting complete coverage is important for long-lasting results.
9. ZyBar can be applied with standard paint spraying equipment. Getting complete coverage is important for long-lasting results.
When baked in an oven, the finish will develop its full hardness in a couple of hours. It can also be air-dried over a period of a few days.
10. When baked in an oven, the finish will develop its full hardness in a couple of hours. It can also be air-dried over a period of a few days.
Here’s a close-up view of the freshly cured finish. Done properly, you’ll get a beautiful, uniform, satin-like finish.
11. Here’s a close-up view of the freshly cured finish. Done properly, you’ll get a beautiful, uniform, satin-like finish.
ZyBar is ideal for rough cast surfaces, too. This manifold has been welded to repair some damage.
12. ZyBar is ideal for rough cast surfaces, too. This manifold has been welded to repair some damage.
Here the manifold is coated, giving it a nice-looking, durable finish, while reducing underhood heat and increasing performance.
13. Here the manifold is coated, giving it a nice-looking, durable finish, while reducing underhood heat and increasing performance.
Some products are available in spray cans for DIYers who may not have paint spraying equipment.
14. Some products are available in spray cans for DIYers who may not have paint spraying equipment.
ZyBar is available in several colors and sizes—from 4 ounces to 1 gallon—so you can buy just the quantity you need.
15. ZyBar is available in several colors and sizes—from 4 ounces to 1 gallon—so you can buy just the quantity you need.
SOURCE
ZyCoat
(913) 599-2600
zycoat.com
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