Powder coating prep question

[LondonZ1]

My frame is away being modified and when I get it back it will be a bare rolling chassis with forks and swingarm installed (see my thread if you're interested). I'll then need to get it powder coated. The question is, do I have to remove the inner races for the taper roller steering stem bearings prior to powder coating? These are from experience a complete swine to get in and out and I am hoping that I can leave them in while the frame is being coated. I am also concerned that installing them to get the geometry right, removing them for coating and refitting them after will likely involve some damage.

I can always buy some new ones but they came all the way from Japan and I suspect they are not a standard size.

[Pigford]

The frame will be blasted before P/C - so make sure bearing cups are well protected if leaving in

[LondonZ1]

The frame has already been completely stripped and there is no rust to remove, so any blasting should be very minor, I hope.

[z1bman]

just make up some blanking plates out of some steel plate drill a hole in the centre + use some all thread to clamp them both together through the head stock

[KeithZ1R]

Left mine in for the same reason My logic being if I tried to take them out I would destroy them and would rather do that only if I had to however in the event they came back unscathed could even still see the surface grinding

[LondonZ1]

Thanks guys, very helpful. I'll leave them in and protect them somehow.

[floydsz1]

Some powder coaters will have the correct size blanking plugs for all bits that need blanking off.
I know triple s are a bit far from you but they have done a few frames for me and they blank everything off for you.

[LondonZ1]

I used Triple S for my engine and I thought the quality of finish was excellent. I am not using an outer transmission cover, which made the masking a bit tricky and they did it just right. I might well ship the frame up to them as well. I shall definitely be leaving the bearing races in, so I want someone who will not damage them.

Thanks for all the comments.