Cast iron/steel finish

[Randy R.]

I have bead blasted a number of suspension and chassis parts. Many of these are not to be painted but are to remain natural. The bead blasted appearance does not resemble the factory finish. I have read a number of posts regarding how to treat or finish such parts. The options mentioned have included such things as using a cast colored paint and spraying with clear acrylic. What do you think of treating these parts with a gray phosphate solution?
This should darken the color and provide a bit of corrosion protection.

[Dick W.]

Re: Cast iron/steel finish

Items that were heat treated originally can be rubbed with "cold blueing" found at gun shops. It will somewhat replicate the original finish. Pre-Lube 6 seems to be a favorite of most posters here to preserve the original natural finishes. If the car is to be a driver the cast blast or the clear would be an option. If it is to be judged, these paints are usually readily detectable and would warrant a point deduction, abeit usally a minor one.

[Dick W.]

Re: Cast iron/steel finish

Items that were heat treated originally can be rubbed with "cold blueing" found at gun shops. It will somewhat replicate the original finish. Pre-Lube 6 seems to be a favorite of most posters here to preserve the original natural finishes. If the car is to be a driver the cast blast or the clear would be an option. If it is to be judged, these paints are usually readily detectable and would warrant a point deduction, abeit usally a minor one.

[lyndon Sharpton]

Re: Cast iron/steel finish

Depends on where you live also. Here in Texas the humidty is so bad, that even in the shop over night it will rust. some of the paint is fine just dont go over board with it. the clear does not seem to hold up to the heat from the exhaust an eng ect.. the pre-lube 6 is good you will just have to keep it up an reapply it.

[lyndon Sharpton]

Re: Cast iron/steel finish

Depends on where you live also. Here in Texas the humidty is so bad, that even in the shop over night it will rust. some of the paint is fine just dont go over board with it. the clear does not seem to hold up to the heat from the exhaust an eng ect.. the pre-lube 6 is good you will just have to keep it up an reapply it.