Both processes treat metal that results in a smooth, protective surface. Here is a summary comparison of the two technologies.
| Issue | Winner | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Endurance | tie | anodized surface can scratch, powder coating can chip or crack |
| Color | Powder coating | more color choices, colors do not fade, and color is consistent |
| Fit | Anodizing | light, thin protective layer that does not change dimensions, panels will not crack if bent |
| Metallic appearance | Anodizing | powder coating resembles a painted surface, anodizing retains metal look |
| Adhesion | Anodizing | adhesives easily stick |
| Sunlight | Anodizing | unaffected by sunlight |
| Corrosion protection | Powder coating | unaffected by acidic pollutants in urban environments |
| Cost | Powder coating | usually less |
For this build, all aluminum will be powder coated in British Racing Green to match the body color. Powder coat the following items:
10551 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FOOTBOX, VERTICAL WALL, OUTSIDE WALL 1 10554 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FOOTBOX, VERTICAL WALLS, OUTSIDE 1 10557 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH COCKPIT FLOOR, W/TUNNEL WALL 1 10558 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH COCKPIT FLOOR, W/TUNNEL WALL 1 10823 ALUMINUM PANEL, REAR COCKPIT VERTICAL WALL (BEHIND SEATS) 1 10853 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FOOTBOX, TOP 1 10858 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FOOTBOX, TOP/OUTSIDE SECTION 1 10859 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FOOTBOX, TOP/INSIDE SECTION 1 10904 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FOOTBOX, VERTICAL WALL, FRONT 1 10905 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FOOTBOX, VERTICAL WALL, INSIDE 1 12806 ALUMINUM PANEL, TRANSMISSION TUNNEL FRONT VERTICAL WALL 1 12985 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FOOTBOX, DROPPED FLOOR 1 13138 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FOOTBOX, VERTICAL WALL, FRONT WALL 1 13139 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FOOTBOX, VERTICAL WALL, INSIDE WALL 1 13634 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FOOTBOX, DROPPED FLOOR 1 10559 ALUMINUM PANEL, FIREWALL 1 10863 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH ENGINE BAY WALL "F" 1 10864 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH ENGINE BAY WALL "F" 1 10963 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FIREWALL EXTENSION 1 10560 ALUMINUM PANEL, TRUNK FLOOR, FRONT SECTION 1 10561 ALUMINUM PANEL, TRUNK FLOOR, REAR, MAIN CARGO AREA 1 10870 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH/RH TRUNK WALL REAR SIDE COVER PANEL 2 13635 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH TRUNK WALL, FRONT 1 13636 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH/RH TRUNK WALL, REAR 2 13637 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH TRUNK WALL, FRONT 1 14585 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH REAR SPLASH GUARD 1 14586 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH REAR SPLASH GUARD 1 10563 ALUMINUM PANEL, TRANSMISSION TUNNEL TOP COVER 1 10906 ALUMINUM PANEL, U-JOINT ACCESS PANEL, (REAR TUNNEL COVER) 1 13246 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH TRANSMISSION TUNNEL, REAR CORNER 1 13247 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH TRANSMISSION TUNNEL, REAR CORNER 1 13641 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH COCKPIT WALL, UNDER DOOR, SIDE 1 13642 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH COCKPIT WALL, UNDER DOOR, SIDE 1 13799 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH SIDE COCKPIT WALL, UNDER DOOR, TOP 1 13803 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH SIDE COCKPIT WALL, UNDER DOOR, TOP 1 14578 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH COCKPIT REAR CORNER, UPPER SPLASH COVER 1 14579 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH COCKPIT REAR CORNER, UPPER SPLASH COVER 1 14580 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH COCKPIT REAR CORNER, LOWER SPLASH COVER 1 14581 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH COCKPIT REAR CORNER, LOWER SPLASH COVER 1 10861 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH SPLASH GUARD 1 10862 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH SPLASH GUARD 1 10865 ALUMINUM PANEL, FRONT NOSE FLOOR (optional, see cowling) 1 10907 ALUMINUM PANEL, LH FRONT NOSE WALL (optional, see cowling) 1 10908 ALUMINUM PANEL, RH FRONT NOSE WALL (optional, see cowling) 1 12273 ALUMINUM PANEL, ENGINE HARNESS BLOCK-OFF PLATE 1 12407 ALUMINUM PANEL, DASH HARNESS BLOCK-OFF PLATE 1 10566 ALUMINUM MOUNT, DASH/SWITCH (FOUR WAY FLASHERS) 1 10638 ALUMINUM MOUNT, DASH/SWITCH (HEADLIGHT) 1 12959 ALUMINUM PANEL, TRANS. TUNNEL COVER BLOCK-OFF PLATE W/O HOLE 1 13140 ALUMINUM PATCH COVER, LARGE HALF 1 13141 ALUMINUM PATCH COVER, SMALL HALF 1 14057 ALUMINUM PANEL, TRANS. TUNNEL COVER BLOCK-OFF PLATE W/HOLE 1 14733 ALUMINUM PANEL, DRIVER FOOTBOX, FRONT PATCH COVER 1 OTHER PIECES 14624 Fuel tank mounting straps 2 Breeze battery box 1 Breeze battery box angle brackets 2 Breeze fan shroud 1 Breeze seat bottom DO NOT POWDER COAT THREADED RODS 2 Breeze seat top 2 FinishLine side louvers (or match paint) 2 Dark Water door sill trim 2 Breeze hinge components Low J-hinge 2 High J-hinge 2 H-angle, small 2 H-angle, long 1
For reference, see examples of black anodized panels and medium charcoal satin powder coated panels.