suspension paint question
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Rose City Mich
suspension paint question
I have my whole front suspension out and sandblasted , question is...after primer is the black susposed to be flat black,semi gloss or gloss? what did the orginal have? since iam not doing a frame off a flat repaint of this area wouldnt stand out so much. thanks...Tom
Last edited by tom benjamin; May 19, 2008 at 11:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
I have my whole front suspension out and sandblasted , question is...after primer is the black susposed to be flat black,semi gloss or gloss? what did the orginal have? since iam not doing a frame off a flat repaint of this area wouldnt stand out so much. thanks...Tom
But when you begin to talk about suspension components like A arms, you're talking about gloss black and brackets semi-gloss black. Understand parts came from all over and there was little consistency among parts vendors. I used gloss black on a front sway bar and it was way too shiney in contrast to its surroundings. Others like the Eastwood line of chassis finish products and report it approximates original finishes.
Tripoli's Chassis Restoration book is often sited as a pretty reliable reference. Do a little studying before blasting.
I've got to do my frame/suspension so also have been engaged in figuring this out...even have a database of finishes by part so keep me posted on your progress.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,202
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From: Westminster Maryland
Tom,
There were many colors and finishes used including natural. The 2 replies were right in saying many parts that were painted were semi-gloss black. If you're not planning to detail each part and bolt/nut, black looks the best.
I'll post 3 pictures to show how 'out of control' detailing can get . Don't get caught in that trap unless that's what you really want.
Regards,
Alan
There were many colors and finishes used including natural. The 2 replies were right in saying many parts that were painted were semi-gloss black. If you're not planning to detail each part and bolt/nut, black looks the best.
I'll post 3 pictures to show how 'out of control' detailing can get . Don't get caught in that trap unless that's what you really want.
Regards,
Alan
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
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From: North Easton Mass
Rustoleum Satin Black gives a shine very similar to Eastwood's Chassis Black when thinned liberally for spraying. In this pic, the frame is Rustoleum and the control arms are Eastwood. The nice thing is the Rustoleum is only $8.00 a quart as opposed to almost $30 a quart for the Eastwood.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 273
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From: NAPLES FLORIDA
I used a (secret) mixture of POR 15 and semi glass black enamel over several thick coats of high fill primer (to be able to sand out some imperfections). The POR 15 is extremely hard to spray and you have to keep your paint wet enough to want to drip to keep it from flashing - but I think the finish speaks for itself...POR 15 definately works...but i never have liked the "brushed on" finish and I think when dry its a little too shiny....
All other finishes are as original...
All other finishes are as original...
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Great pictures by all. I would like to hear from all of you how you treated natural finished parts like the differential. I see the cast-blast equivalent but also see natural.
Help me understand what you mean by "out of control" detailing. You mean too many black type finishes and it drives you nuts?
I'll post 3 pictures to show how 'out of control' detailing can get . Don't get caught in that trap unless that's what you really want.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,202
Likes: 4,287
From: Westminster Maryland
HUNT4,
I used flat and semi-flat clear on some 'natural' parts like the drive shaft tube and the half-shaft tubes.
By 'out of control detailing' I meant re-plating bolts and nuts... Cadmium, bright cadmium, zinc, zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate, black oxide, and natural.
Then figuring out how to put it back together without screwing anything up cosmetically.
Most people would say my car isn't a real car anymore, it's just a big model that happens to drive on occasion. They're more right than I want to think.
But, Boy was it fun!!!!
Regards,
Alan
I used flat and semi-flat clear on some 'natural' parts like the drive shaft tube and the half-shaft tubes.
By 'out of control detailing' I meant re-plating bolts and nuts... Cadmium, bright cadmium, zinc, zinc phosphate, manganese phosphate, black oxide, and natural.
Then figuring out how to put it back together without screwing anything up cosmetically.
Most people would say my car isn't a real car anymore, it's just a big model that happens to drive on occasion. They're more right than I want to think.
But, Boy was it fun!!!!
Regards,
Alan
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
