Prepping frame after paint
 

Hey guys,
Hoping you can help me out here. I got my frame powder coated and started building it last night. Problem is the holes are near impossible to get screws into now. They didn't do a very good job keeping the powder out of them. I've basically had to re-tap most of them. Is this common? After a paint-job, what should I reasonably expect to do in preparation for assembly?

Thanks for your help. Here's a pic showing their not-so-perfect work :(
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_sxOQ5ebzXiM/Sq...ture%20018.jpg

Not sure if I should have them re-do it (again).

Hello yes if your painter was not used to working on bikes and you did not ask his masking technique. in past working i shops with repainted and new frames it is always wise to face and chase the bb, then face the headtube and retap, or chase, the holes to be sure they are clean

as for the quality of the job I would certainly inquire about those rough spots. if he is going to redo it give him some old BB cups and bottle screws to plug the holes

Not to Hijack the thread but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to leave old cups, bolts, screws, etc. in place during power coat process...but I was also wondering if you did leave stuff in the threads....will the nice new finish crack or chip when taking them off?

Follow-up... I built the bike, bad powder-coat & all. They've already redone it once and a 3rd time just didn't sound reasonable. Installing the headset & BB was really difficult because of the un-evenness. The LBS wanted $80 and 2 weeks to face & chase both the HT & BB so I did it myself with a file. Basically I filed away the excess powder REALLY carefully. I sanded just until I was close to metal and making sure not to file any of the metal away. It was painstakingly difficult, but I got everything installed & running smoothly. I think if one were to take away some of the metal they would have to have it done properly and if done really wrong you may mess up the frame entirely. The tools to face the HT & BB are stupid expensive ($550 for the BB & $400 for the HS).

Good advice on leaving old BB cups & screws in. They used plugs, but that clearly didn't do the job. finnyct90 I doubt the powder would crack when you take the screws out, but you could use a razor to cut around the holes to make them super clean.