All:
Having torn my front suspension completely off, and getting ready to sandblast and refinish, I am curious - what "finish" would the factory have typically left on these items that fit the undercarriage? Paint = money, so I would assume everything would be "natural metal". Can any one confirm/take a wild guess? This would include:
Strut rods
Sway bar
Control arms
Tie rod ends
Spindles
Rotors
...etc. I want to paint this bare metal with POR-15, black would look great (of course), but POR-15 also makes a "natural metal" finish, which might be more "accurate".
Chris
Wow, no responses after 24 hours. That's something that always surprises me about this group - something that has no bearing on refinishing a car can get whopping responses, but when someone really wants some advice or needs help, crickets chirp.
Sorry, maybe falling on deaf ears, but I just don't get it sometimes. Where is everyone?
Chris
I'm here, but I don't know the answer.
I can more than relate to your feelings of abandonment.
I'll just guess that Ford left most of that stuff bare to collect surface rust.
So I won't disapprove of dabbing on a coat or two of POR-15.
BTW, that stuff doesn't wash off....
Thanks Don, I really DO apppreciate the response. I believe you are correct, I was just hoping for a confirmation. I have used plenty of POR-15 already and am well versed in long term stains..... :-\
Thanks!
Chris
I guess it depends on what your goals are.
Original restoration, driver, race car, or your own restomod.
Myself, I have always liked to take everything apart, clean it up, and have it all done in black.
Any other color just get dirty. Black is easy to touch up and oil doesn't show. I think it looks good to see all the contrasting polyurethane bushings, shocks, etc against the black.
I would powder coat all the removeable pieces and use the POR-15 for the undercarriage.
For a racecar they say to do it all in white! It makes brighter underneath when you work on it and it shows when you have a fluid leak or exhaust leak.
Personal opinion, Powdercoat it. if its removable. if not Use Rhino lining =) Stuffs tuff as nails. and if the surface is already cleaned and good you shouldnt get any rust afterwards. btw Just saw the post today. Havent been on too much with 2 kids to spend time with.