Front Suspension parts: What to/NOT TO Powercoat?

[garment]

I'm making the trek to American Stripping Company in Manassas, VA next week. I've got my A-arms, arm brackets, and other usual items selected for powder coat. Now - what about the sway bar and associated brackets? How about the pan that protected the steering components? See pic for what I think is the right set to get sprayed here (+ the dust shields for s&g).

Is this the right set?

Thanks, Pelicans!

[gtc]

Your strut mounts look pretty clean - i might skip those.
Two suggestions:
1. Mask the a-arm bushing surfaces.
2. Have the powdercoater use a semi-gloss black (40-60% as I recall). It looks funky when these parts are too shiny (or any other color besides black).

[michael lang]

Since you're at it, take the strut cartridges out and give them the strut assemblies and tops. You might as well make everything match.

[steely]

+1 what the gentlemen said.

I'd say yes to sway bar and belly pan. I also did the smaller rock guard under the front.
I'll look for a pic.
I am not sure about the dust shields but don't trust me on that, certainly they can stand a cleaning, but they flex when not mounted. A friend just painted his, so maybe ignore me, see what others think or ask the PC'er.
Not suspension but I also did my heater boxes, but in JD Green.
In the pic, the yellow tinge is from lighting...

[woodyTPA]

I sand prepped all parts and sprayed with gloss imron. I am doing a non concourse 86 build, full sustem to new car refurb on an 86. The gloss looks awesome, is easy to clean, and unlike powder will not stain when fluids get on them. You can have imron any sheen

[slow&rusty]

I powder coated the same parts as steely.

Caution on the sway bar, depending how thick the powder coating is, the bushings may have a hard time fitting over and compressing in the bracket.

[Robert Adams]

For whatever it's worth, in the restoration circles around here a new Sikken's paint process is preferred and being recommended. I know it's not a cheap process as I just had mine done using it. The main argument against powder-coating suspension parts in particular, is the p-c chips and allows moisture to get between the coating and the steel it's covering leading to rusting from the inside out. Powder-coating can not be repaired in a localized area; the whole part would need to be redone, where as the paint process can be repaired. This is not a typical paint process. Perhaps someone in the painting community can shed some light? Meantime I'll speak with the person who did mine and this time I'll write if all down. It's a lengthy process involving dipping, etching etc. The results are outstanding and will wear better over time.

[steely]

wow that looks great!