Rust, Powder coating and body panels - FYI

[tgrocott]

While reading about 'How does the smart fortwo perform in the snow?' I found the following info;

'Regarding rust, the smart fortwo’s steel body is fully zinc plated. As a further provision against corrosion, there is a coat of cataphoretic paint under the main powder-coat paint, and all body cavities are preserved by a special agent. Finally, the body panels and complete underbody are made of plastic (polypropylene), which are not prone to rust even if scratched.'

I have never seen any of this in type before. This was on smart USA FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions on the Seattle dealer web site.

This should put to rest some of the discussion on powder coating and plastic panel properties.

So what is cataphoretic paint? Electrically bonded primer?, just guessing.

And what is the special agent?

Some answers and even more questions!

[spdickey]

Originally Posted by [URL

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7144492.html[/url]]The application of anti-corrosion base coating by cataphoretic painting (KTL) is well known in manufacturing automobile body parts. However the cataphoretic paint can penetrate only incompletely or possibly not at all into the gap in the contact areas of the components joined to each other. This type of gap is conventionally scaled following cataphoretic painting, in order to ensure corrosion protection for the entire assembly. The present invention makes it possible to dispense with the sealing in the production of an assembly of joined conductive components and nevertheless to ensure a sufficient corrosion protection. By introducing topographic changes in the components projecting from their surface in the known contact areas and then joining these components, they are spaced apart by the projecting topographic changes in such a manner that during cataphoretic painting the paint wets the entire surface of the assembly.

Sorry you asked?

[SmartAzz]

Originally Posted by tgrocott

And what is the special agent?

Maxwell Smart of course

Sorry, couldn't help it - good question though

[tgrocott]

Originally Posted by spdickey

Sorry you asked?

This type of gap is conventionally scaled following cataphoretic painting, in order to ensure corrosion protection for the entire assembly.

This must be the special agents job.

[tgrocott]

Originally Posted by spdickey

Sorry you asked?

You are pretty damn fast spdickey and yes I am sorry I asked.

[AnitaInKC]

Hmmm...doesn't the car have a 'tummy?' LOL...that's what I called it when I saw the picture of the smart propped up on it's end. I know it doesn't cover the entire undercarriage, but it must help somewhat?