71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

[Paul C.]

I am redoing the front end and had the front sway bar powder blasted and cleaned up. The question now is should I leave it natural and use RPM on it OR spray paint it with krylon industrial semi-flat black?

Which color is more correct? I heard a new NCRS Technical Info & Judging guide maybe coming out--I know the 2006 (4th edition) states it can be either.

Which finish would be easier to maintain so it looks good semi-flat black or natural finish--assuming both are acceptable.

Thank you for all your help and advice!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: 71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

It's still going to be listed as either.

If you don't know what yours was, I usually say it's easier to paint it and have it protected than continuously try to keep it natural, or get points off for cast blast.

[Mark E.]

Re: 71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

I like Patrick's advice.

I went through the same inquiry while restoring my '70's front suspension, and decided it was my choice. I thought a natural sway bar would give this area of the chassis a more detailed look (vs. most everything some shade of black). I don't like rust and had no intention of judging the car, so I used POR15's cast color. Very durable and looks natural to all but the discerning Flight Judge.

[Paul C.]

Re: 71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

I really like the natural appearance but I worry whether the rpm will keep it from rusting. I don't mind retreating as long as it doesn't need a tx every 2 months.

[Paul O.]

Re: 71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

Paul

The vast majority of original anti roll bars on original 1970-72 cars are painted a finish that look like the A-arm finish and gloss. For me black is typical un- painted is unusual.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

I am redoing the front end and had the front sway bar powder blasted and cleaned up. The question now is should I leave it natural and use RPM on it OR spray paint it with krylon industrial semi-flat black?

Which color is more correct? I heard a new NCRS Technical Info & Judging guide maybe coming out--I know the 2006 (4th edition) states it can be either.

Which finish would be easier to maintain so it looks good semi-flat black or natural finish--assuming both are acceptable.

Thank you for all your help and advice!!

After it has been blasted it will be a hard climb to make it look natural. There is nothing natural about blasting unless you have a half-shaft for a LT1, BB or M40. Your easiest course of action at this point is to find the worst looking black goop that passes for paint and slop it on.

[Tracy C.]

Re: 71 Front Sway Bar: Paint or Natural?

.... Your easiest course of action at this point is to find the worst looking black goop that passes for paint and slop it on.

Spoken like a man who understands what truly restoring a Corvette to "factory fresh" condition is all about.

Thank you for that Terry,
tc