A-Arm Refresh: Where NOT to paint?
 

I'm in the process of re-refreshing some '73 A-Arms I got (1 blasted 1 not). these have the ARB tabs on them as opposed the the bushing holders of my SC. this will allow me to put in an adjustable front sway bar.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1262469736.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1262469772.jpg

Here is the plan:

1. Blast clean
2. Weld sides of tabs for extra grip
3. Paint
4. Put on Elephant Poly Bronze and Low Friction parts

The questions is, I'm going to wrinkle paint them and was thinking I should avoid all the bearing surfaces and inner torsion tube. Should I also avoid the thrust surfaces (the round surfaces welded perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the torsion tube)??

Thanks!

-Michael

I'd highly suggest powdercoating as they take a beating down there. I think you'll be ok just protecting the bearing surfaces.

I thought about powder coating... but I figure, if it chips/scratches I can repair it at home and at will. Once the poly bronze stuff is mounted there will be no re-powder coating as it has to bake to cure...

*shrug*

-Michael

I may suggest you use por-15. It is very hard paint and diy. It rivals powder coat in terms of toughness.

Did you see the rebel racing a-arm mounting kit? Looks extremely nice.

Suspension1

Clint, the owner and designer is great to work with and highly detail oriented. He's a degreed engineer from calpoly.

Doug

Thats a nice kit! I already have the ER kits though. POR-15 would probably be best.

-Michael

POR-15 and other paints are OK. They are all difficult to do without good ventilation. POR-15 is very stinky and it will bond to your skin until your skin grows a new layer. No paint will be as hard as powder-coat. I had 14 pieces of my suspension powder-coated and it was no effort. It cost me less than $125.00.

Before
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1262574349.jpg

After
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1262574417.jpg

Nice, Glen! did you have a tough time putting on the bushings over the p-coated areas of the a-arm?

what did you guys do about the rust that is inside the arm that connects to the ball joint? I can't get my blaster down there and was thinking about using some of that liquid rust converter. Basically tape the one end shut and fill it up with Ospho rust converter/remover and shake it all about. Then rinse well, dry, and do a similar thing with the paint so it coats the inside well.

Thoughts?

-Michael

Having reviewed the costs of POR 15 I think I'll just powder coat them...

Chuck at Elephant racing said to not worry about the powder-coat paint thickness. I figure if anyone knew it would be him. You will need a good quality screw type bar clamp. The trigger pull type just can't make enough force. Ask me how I know. I got my car back on the tires last night. I have an autocross to run this Sunday.