Sway bar preservation.

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Sep 25, 2001 | 09:05 PM

honaker

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Racer

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From: Millington TN

Sway bar preservation.

I'm haveing the frame on my 77 sandblasted and treated. I'm replacing all the springs and bushings etc. The sway bars are in great shape and I don't plan on replacing them, however, I don't want to put them back on because I don't want them to rust up in a few months. I considered powedercoating but don't think that I will be an effective method. Does anybody have any ideas? Looking into to Zinc plating. Of course, if the treatment isn't cost effective, I'll buy new ones. I just hate getting rid of perfectly good parts. :smash:

Sep 25, 2001 | 09:38 PM

Captain Morgan

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From: Westfield Indiana

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Re: Sway bar preservation. (honaker)

Don't have any ideas for you except one. What size are the bars? If you are going to get new ones, I would consider buying yours at a slightly discounted price. Mine don't have to look pretty, they just have to work (and be the correct size).

Sep 25, 2001 | 09:41 PM

honaker

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From: Millington TN

Re: Sway bar preservation. (sharklover)

The front is 1 1/8" and the rear I think is 7/8"(i haven't measured the rear)

Sep 25, 2001 | 09:54 PM

Captain Morgan

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Re: Sway bar preservation. (honaker)

If you decide to buy new, I'll buy your old ones depending on price. I can get new ones that size from VB&P for $209 total. I don't plan on buying mine until maybe next winter (along with full suspension upgrade) but if you decide to sell yours anytime before I buy mine, drop me an e-mail. avery@joink.com

Sep 25, 2001 | 10:05 PM

honaker

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Racer

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From: Millington TN

Re: Sway bar preservation. (honaker)

Not problem.

Sep 26, 2001 | 10:41 AM

JYD69_427

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Re: Sway bar preservation. (honaker)

I am curious why you think powdercoating will not be effective. Flex issues? I've seen several that were powdercoated and lasted with no problem.

On both my 71 Chevelle and 69 Vette, I just lightly sanded them and used POR15 with a gloss black topcoat and a clear final coat. Been 5 years now on the Chevelle and it still looks like the day I painted it.

Sep 26, 2001 | 10:59 AM

Tom454

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From: Raleigh North Carolina

Re: Sway bar preservation. (JYD69_427)

I'm curious about the powder coat issue as well... my 1987 Ford Crown Vic has a factory powder coated front sway bar, and it is still like new. Even after spending 9 of its 14 years in NY/NJ. So... what's the deal with powder coating? That stuff is mucho tuff when done correctly. How does it fail the test? Just curious.

Sep 26, 2001 | 02:06 PM

UKPaul

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From: Surrey

Re: Sway bar preservation. (Tom454)

I'm planning on getting mine powder coated this winter as I can't see any problems that would occur due to it. Powder coating gets a real :smash: from some people but I've never had problems with it apart from:

1) If finished size is important (powder coat can be quite thick)
2) Threads need to be left uncoated, so corrosion will occur if not protected
3) If you ever want to strip it off in the future (very hard work)
4) Extra care is needed if electrical earths are required.

I've built several m/cycles using powder coated parts & it has lasted brilliantly. Over the years I've tried various different finishes & powder coat outlasts all of them by far.
:cheers:
Paul