Quote:
Originally Posted by tower
I doubt that it's hot dipped. Besides leaving drip marks, heating the metal to 800 degrees fahrenheit would distort the metal. Likely metalized or electoplated zinc (metalizes: hit it with zinc bb's, electroplated: one big electrolysis process at the sheet factory.
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On W124 chassis cars, for corrosion protection Mercedes-Benz uses zinc plating (galvanization) to protect many of the body panels. The engine hood, doors, sunroof, trunk lid and fuel filler flap are all galvanized. If the paint is chipped down through the primer and into the galvanized layer, the zinc will electrically migrate across the bare metal and cover it.
All of the welded seams on the car are treated with a special sealing compound that can be reabsorbed into weld material in case of rework.
Primer - The first layer of primer that goes over the zinc coating is applied electrostatically with a complete dip of the entire chassis. The chassis is given a negative charge and the primer is given a positive charge so that primer is electrically bonded to the chassis. After the primary dip there is extensive PVC (polyvinyl chloride plastic) seam sealing all over the chassis.