C3 Halfshaft & Driveshaft Refinishing

[Michael B.]

I know we have kicked this around reciently but I'm still not certain how I should proceed. I have heard the ways of the NCRS and I have stripped the paint from my drive and half shafts that I painted gloss black several years ago when I went through the rear suspension. Mine is a Bay Area California car and all three shafts are in good shape with no pitting. There is some light surface rust discoloration and that is it. I do plan to remark the inspection marks but I am debating how I should go about further cleaning of the metal. So far I have only taken a scotch-bright to them.

Should I sand with something like 600 to even out the natural metal color?

Can I use a wire wheel on them without destroying the original surface appearance?

How about using Naval Jelly? Does that stuff work on light rust?

Will shot peening the halfshafts remove the little bit of rust and even out the color?

What should I avoid doing?

Or should I just remark the inspection marks and leave it alone, maybe with a light coat of clear?

By the way I picked up some Rust-Oleum Rust Inhibitor #224284 which I'm sure is just a clear coat. "Shields Metal Surfaces From Rusting" Has anybody used this product?

[Edward J.]

Re: C3 Halfshaft & Driveshaft Refinishing

Mike, I Just Finished My Driveshafts On My 72 Small Block, I Glass Beaded Mine With The Fine Glass Beads At 40psi And They Came Out Like New, After The Glass Beading I Took Grade 0000 Steel Wool And Cleaned Up, They Looked Great , I Took Satin Clear And Coated To Protect, They Look New And Put The Correct Marks,I Forgot For The Seem I Used Masking Tape And Made A 1/16 Wide Seem, Then Used Black Phos.plating To Resemble The Seem, Im Sure There Are Other Ways , Nothing Will Be As Factory, But This Is About A Close As I Thing Youll Get.