I currently have an engine mount on order with Van's. I talked in vain, up the ladder to numerous people, trying to get a mount NOT powdercoated. I spoke with someone in technical service, and despite working there, they couldn't even get a bare mount. I expressed my dissatisfaction with their decision at every level. Maybe I didn't reach the right person. So, I do believe that they know of this public displeasure. You would think that Van's would be happy saving a few dollars and the potential of future problems by selling "your choice".
The 1st. thing that I will do to mount upon arrival is to strip and paint with Imron or JetGlo and thank Van's for every minute of unnecessary added work.
After being in the aircraft industry, we have seen this rust under powdercoating, numerous times. As coatings keep getting better, they tend to hide a multitude of sins. We note in the A/C logbook that engine mount has been previously powdercoated and visually inspected to the best of our ability. What kind of workmanship is Vans trying to hide ?
Hopefully, I won't find any weldment issues in mine that would necessitate me sending the mount to a rebuilder, as of about a year ago, mounts were being produced in-house and they were looking for welders.