Hot dip galvanising

[niclemaitre]

Hi there

I want to galvanise my canopy frame to prevent corrosion but I've heard that you run the risk of having it warp. Is there anyway to prevent this? Or can you recommend a galvaniser in the Cape Town area who will take good care of all my hard work?

[hend]

If you go the electroplating route there is no heat so it should be ok. Allthe tent equipment with yellow/gold finish is zinc plated which protects quite well.
Hot dip runs around 460 deg with risk of deformation of certain structures

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[Mud Dog]

I've never had a deformity on frame work, either solid or hollow tube. Where I think you will pick up problems is with panels (thin plate or metal sheeting) that are welded in, also things like trailer bodies. Be advised though, that if you go the hot dip route, every piece of hollow material must be able to vent, i.e it must have holes drilled at either end - most of the guys will drill the holes internally if it butts up against another piece of hollow material, that way one doesn't see the holes (internal) but all internal 'passages' must lead to open ends or holes drilled (underneath and on top). If there are no holes to vent, the tube will at the very least deform with the internal pressure build up and most often even explode which poses a serious danger to the guys that work around the tank.

Still the best option though (hot dip).

[Hangover]

Agree with Andy... Your frame should not bend at all...

[Mountain Man]

Andy, sorry I disagree with you. I have had plenty frames warp when galvanized. I don't know why but this does happen. Maybe the structure was badly designed or had internal tension, I don't know but it definitely warped.

[Hangover]

Flat frames or a squarish frame like a canopy?

[mcw]

what about E-Coating Louis Fourie did his bumper ,it looked really good


Martin

[Hilux 1]

Stef, I would suggest you take the frame and discuss witht he guys. they should be able to tell you yes or no this frame is sturdy enough or not. I mean after all that's there business. m2cw

[Toppie4x4]

If it warp or bend the galvanisers does not dip it the correct way, just make sure that there are more than enough breathing holes and no closed tubing or pipe. The galvanising needs to enter the tube and the hot air should have an escape route. Just my 2cworth

[Haboob]

If you do not drill holes, they usually do it for you. Drill your own holes and have them where you want them. Have never had a warping problem. This will add to your weight. The frame will be protected from the elements if covered by aluminium sheeting. If you are not at the coast, rust is not a problem. The frame is a lot thicker and stronger than the body metal of your vehicle, so will outlast that. Give it a good undercoat and a decsent paint should outlast the vehicle. This will work out MUCH cheaper and Lighter than any type of galvanising...

[niclemaitre]

I'm in Stellenbosch which is not too far from the coast and regularly head into Cape Town. Also I'm worried that if I don't treat the inside of the tubing it will (eventually) get wet on the inside and rust from the inside out

[jacques kotze]

I made a canopy frame for a aluminium canopy. I also had it hot dip galvanised. I drilled the holes on all the right places. If you do not drill them thy will and charge you for each hole drilled.

The frame did warp a little but was not that bad at all. When we put it on the back of the bakkie where it must be mounted the one corner of the frame was in the air with about 25mm. It easily pulled straight when we tight the fixing bolts.

[Mud Dog]

I'm in Stellenbosch which is not too far from the coast and regularly head into Cape Town. Also I'm worried that if I don't treat the inside of the tubing it will (eventually) get wet on the inside and rust from the inside out

This is another reason why hot dip is better - the insides of the tubing are also galvanised. With electroplating (and even painting) the insides remain raw. The places that will start rusting first are the welds, and when that happens the integrity of the structure is compromised.