Painting suspension parts

[Murse]

Looking to paint stuff myself rails and w arms underneath the tunnel and front suspension including springs. I don't really want to spend money and time powder coating but I will if I have to. I just got the sled I want to spend side time on it painting/detailing like polishing the tunnel and removing stickers. Anyway what's the best paying/procedure in doing so work the painting aspect?

 

[steiner]

You could spend a little money and lots of time painting the parts that you want to. Go down to your local auto parts store or body shop supplier. They will have everything you need.
Scuff down the parts, prime where ever you have bare metal and paint. Be prepared to do this every year as the components in the skid take a beating from the snow, ice and rocks.
Or you could more money and less time sending the parts to a powder coater and have a finish that will stand up to the debris that it encounters.

Removing the stickers is easy. A heat gun, blow dryer or my personal favorite "hot water" will allow you to get most of the sticker off with the glue. What ever glue is left behind can be made to vanish with some Goo Gone.
Polishing the tunnel will take some time and does require up keep as well but looks awesome.

 

[GUKROKIT]

I've had great results with POR 15. This stuff cures rock hard and can be applied with a brush or sprayed. Best way to apply is directly to sandblasted metal,no primer or other prep. I have done several suspensions with it and they all still look new after several seasons. Best color seems to be gloss black(original formula) although they now offer it in a matte black,silver also. Needs to be topcoated on parts exposed to constant sunlight.It will turn flat black after lots of uv exposure. I did not top coat any of the suspensions I did and they held up great. Designed to paint over rust(POR). Not your average spray paint. Lots of info on their site.

 

[actionjack]

The last time I replaced damaged A Arms I bought the right paint Silver base and red top coat and my Arms looked great for 1/2 a season. I probably spent more than I could get them powder coated for and I spent a ton of time prepping them. The color was a great match but it wasn't durable even with clear top coating. I'll never do that again.

 

[Redbeard]

...or you could spend more money and less time sending the parts to a powder coater and have a finish that will stand up to the debris that it encounters.

x2 Check and see what it will cost to powder coat your parts vs. conventional paint. You might be surprised how economical powder coat can be. You could also do your parts in stages so you don't have your money and time all tied up at once: front end this year, rear end next summer.

Just my $.02

 

[Sevey]

I had my skid tore apart this summer and looked into powder coating. To powder coat it properly it has to stripped right down to bare metal. So by the time I priced having a guy bead blast-it and powder coat, it seemed a wee bit pricey. Since it is the skid and is usally caked in snow, I used the wire wheel on the side grinder and used Tremclad, Gloss, Quick dry and it turned out good, but who knows how long it will last. Check back in the spring. The skid does look a whole lot better than when it came out .MS

 

[rx1 man 04]

don't bother painting , it will just rust again, powder coating is the way to go, I purchased a do it yourself kit from carswell plating and bought a used electric oven. I powder coated everything that could fit in an oven. you would be surprised how much you can get it the oven. all you need is a small compressor , the starter kit from carswell and a used electric oven. run a 220 volt plug to your electric panel and your all set up. do it outside so you don't get fumes in the garage, powder can be bought on line from a number of suppliers. very easy to do, I was amazed with the result. for under 300 dollars you will be up and powdercoating. It will pay for itself the first time you use it, the metal has to be clean, sandblasting or wire brush on a drill works fine. its take a bit of time and practice but you will get the hang of it. you will also need to buy a good mask, don't breath in the fumes, best too put the oven outside if you can when you are baking the items. attached is a picture of the sled, I did the gas cap, a arms, all the suspension , handlebar riser. works on aluminum as well.

 

[Redbeard]

don't bother painting , it will just rust again, powder coating is the way to go, I purchased a do it yourself kit from carswell plating and bought a used electric oven. I powder coated everything that could fit in an oven. you would be surprised how much you can get it the oven. all you need is a small compressor , the starter kit from carswell and a used electric oven. run a 220 volt plug to your electric panel and your all set up. do it outside so you don't get fumes in the garage, powder can be bought on line from a number of suppliers. very easy to do, I was amazed with the result. for under 300 dollars you will be up and powdercoating. It will pay for itself the first time you use it, the metal has to be clean, sandblasting or wire brush on a drill works fine. its take a bit of time and practice but you will get the hang of it. you will also need to buy a good mask, don't breath in the fumes, best too put the oven outside if you can when you are baking the items. attached is a picture of the sled, I did the gas cap, a arms, all the suspension , handlebar riser. works on aluminum as well.

x2

 

[CaptCaper]

What airplanes,ships,etc use is a 2 part polyurthene system. The best for Aluminum and most surfaces. Automotive industry uses it also. You can use the marine version available at most marine chains.Here is InterLux that I've used mostly. With thinner,etc. it's not cheap but will give the best paint job you can get. http://www.jamestowndistributors.co...ame=Interlux+Perfection+Two+Part+Polyurethane
You have to etch it first with a etch primer for Aluminum. Then expoxy primer over the Etching lastly apply the top coat. It will stick forever and be durable. Either brush or spray depending on the brand you buy. Some have both options. I used it on many things and have it on our boat still after 22 years still shines.