Unpainted surfaces

[Danny W.]

I am in the process of going back together with the frame & suspension on my 69. What is the best option for unpainted surfaces such as the diff, half shafts, exhaust manifolds, etc. I will have the car judged and want to score high, but dont want these parts rusting either. Any advice / experience greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Danny

http://DANNYWATKINS@AOL.COM

[Joe L.]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

Danny------

You can spray such components with a material such as Pre-Lube 6. This will prevent the formation of rust and will leave a natural surface. However, this is a quite temporary thing. You'll need to regularly re-apply the Pre-Lube 6. If you drive the car and it's exposed to the elements, it will usually require too frequent of applications to be practical. If it's not a driven car, the Pre-Lube 6 will work just fine.

[Chuck W.]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

Danny,
If the parts are cast iron or forged, you can have them electrolys nickel plated to a dull or satin finish which very closely resembles natural castings or forging. On items like spindles, once installed they appear unusually clean and natural..... nearly forever. The rougher the surface the more matted the finish. Natural steel parts are a bit harder to preserve without detection. A satin clear finish will help but some tend to yellow with time. There are also paints like cast blast that do protect bare metal but are detectable as painted.

Personally, I prefer to keep the restoration looking fresh even at the expense of a few judging points.
Chuck

[Danny W.]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

Thanks Joe, where do you buy Prelube 6 and do you know who makes the product.
Thanks, Danny

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

Quanta Products sells Pre-Lube 6.

Gary

[Harmon C.]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

No matter what you do to the parts if they were rusty at one time you won't get the finish correct in most cases. No matter which way you go their is a good chance oiled, painted,bead blasted, turned shafts or any other method may get a deduction. Plan on loosing some points on chassis as the finsh on thease parts was only original one time and is had to get 100% corect for all judges.
Lyle

[John Daly]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

I have also seen cars with half shafts and differentials coated with a flat or matte finish clear.
jd

[Joe L.]

Re: Unpainted surfaces

John-----

Actually, I think that this is the best approach. If a polyurethane clear is used, it won't yellow. If it's detected during judging, so be it.