Control arm cleanup and paint

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Apr 24, 2006 | 01:20 PM

flood

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From: CO

Control arm cleanup and paint

I need to clean and paint my control arms what is the best method for a home DIYer?

I figured degrease, sand, paint. I was thinking glossy paint but my just stick with some flat black.

comments?

Apr 24, 2006 | 01:52 PM

marks68

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Joined: Aug 2005

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From: Durham NC

There are some pictures of my cleanup in the album titled "What have I gotten myself into".
I soaked my control arms for about a week in mineral spirits followed by cleaning with a drill/wire brush. Primer, two coats of smie-gloss black and they came out very nice.

Good luck.

http://www.c3vettes.com/index.php?pid=19

Apr 24, 2006 | 02:06 PM

theandies

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From: Virginia USA

I cleaned mine with a wire brush and primed and painted them with spray bombs. I was unemployed at the time so I couldn't afford POR-15 but I suggest painting them with it to prevent rust the over spray them with a spray bomb. I've got pictures but my company's net nanny will not let me log in to post them. If you want me to post them tonight let me know.

Apr 24, 2006 | 09:49 PM

billlambeer

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From: Avon CO

I sandblasted mine and por-15ed them, couldnt look better!

Apr 25, 2006 | 02:09 AM

Steve COSD

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I had mine powder coated satin Black, here's why. They will blast the part before coating. Powder coating is very tough which is needed on the lower control arms. The cost is very resonable. Gets some quotes and good Luck.
Steve

Apr 25, 2006 | 06:08 AM

theandies

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From: Virginia USA

Here are mine after cleanup, primer, and flat black paint. The paint is holding up great and has over 2K on them without any problems.

Apr 25, 2006 | 09:13 AM

norvalwilhelm

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From: Waterloo ontario Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by flood

I need to clean and paint my control arms what is the best method for a home DIYer?

I figured degrease, sand, paint. I was thinking glossy paint but my just stick with some flat black.

comments?

Flat is not as hard a paint as gloss. I would clean them or if you have all 4 off at once take them to a local sand blasters and you will have one in your city. For a few bucks they will totally strip them down to bare metal. Prime and paint with spray bombs.
Use gloss for a finish. It is harder and cleans up nicely