What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

[Paul C.]

I replaced my front coil springs 8 years ago and they were painted black. What paint can be used on these to best approximate the correct original finish. Thought about having them stripped but they are already painted and don't want the rust issue. Thank you for your help.

[Edward J.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Paul the natural spring is correct, but If you are planning on removing them, strip them down and use a satin clear to prevent rust.

[Paul C.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

I prefer NOT to strip them down. I need the color/manufacturer of a paint that I can spray over the black paint to get the natural look. If there is no paint available that will look close enough then I will have them blasted and possibly powder coated clear. I hate rust. Spend to much time trying to get rid of it and don't want to do this a second time. Thank you for your help.

[Edward J.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Paul, I think the stainless steel paint or cast blast is about the closest. there is really nothing that will pass for judging reasons.

[Patrick H.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

I prefer NOT to strip them down. I need the color/manufacturer of a paint that I can spray over the black paint to get the natural look.

No such paint exists.

If you want to get closest, I've found that shot blasting (gently) and then clearing can get you closest.
Otherwise just paint them with cast blast and take the points hit.

[Paul C.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

I have the springs off the car but I am weighting is it worth the money to have them shot blasted and then repaint them for 1 point. On the other hand 1 pt here and there add up. Everything in restoration is a trade-off. Do I loose the same number of points if its painted black or cast blast?? If so I might as well leave them black.

[Patrick H.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

I have the springs off the car but I am weighting is it worth the money to have them shot blasted and then repaint them for 1 point. On the other hand 1 pt here and there add up. Everything in restoration is a trade-off. Do I loose the same number of points if its painted black or cast blast?? If so I might as well leave them black.

You don't loose anything, but you lose the same amount of points either way.
However, if they're out then for accuracy you may as well paint them cast blast. At least then it looks like you tried.

[Paul C.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Thank you for your help and input. It is greatly appreciated!!!!

[Mark E.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Spraying over the black paint with cast blast is easiest. For ultimate durability strip then apply POR15 cast grey. It will last forever.

[Patrick H.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

apply POR15 cast grey. It will last forever.

I hate POR-15. But that's another subject.

[Paul C.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Another question??? Are these springs stock springs. They measure 13 3/8 inches in length and diameter around .63-.64 inches. Does anyone sell the springs as they came from the factory?

[Patrick H.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Does anyone sell the springs as they came from the factory?

No.

If your car sits right, stick with them.

[Shannon U.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Original springs were natural and with out paint. The springs are only worth 2 points on both originality and condition. Using the CDCIF method, a twenty percent deduction for finish (black, painted, green or purple are all the same) of 2 points is....not going to be a deduction but rather a notation on the score sheet. If they are NOT original configuration (no tape measures allowed) that is another twenty percent for configuration and still only marginal for any point deduction! If they are off the car, take them down and if you do not want any rust, shoot them semi flat or flat clear. Only my opinion as a chassis lover.

[David B.]

Re: What Paint for 71 Front Coil Spring Color

Front Spring Charts from Chevrolet Engineering in this era states as follows:
"Spray or dip with Lucas rustproof #635 compound or equiv. rust prevention (mix 7 parts of water with 1 part rust proof compound). Later early 70's charts simply state: "Spray with soluble oil for rust prevention".
If you really want to be "anal" you need to attach the appropriate tape listing the part# and assembly plant. This would be attached to one of the three (3) center coils. A note of caution, the color and size of this tape is specified by Engineering.
A multitude of springs are listed with specs etc. so a correct part # is required to identify your dimensions etc.......