Bare metal top coat recommendations

[Steve G.]

I am going to have some parts sandblasted as part of restoration. I am trying to get the car to look correct, but am thinking I'd like to have some protection from rust. I had heard someone recommending semi gloss clear lacquer for items such as rear-end. Does anyone have other recommendations for these parts? Same question for exhaust manifolds. thanks, Steve

[Steven N.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

I use satin clear as it looks much more natural. ..........

[Steve G.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Thanks. I assume that would work for rear end, drive shaft, steering box, etc. What about exhaust manifolds - I assume clear paint wouldn't hold up. Any recommendations there?

[Tom R.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

We've had some pretty lengthy threads on the topic...do some searches and you should come across those. Use "half-shaft" for one search

[Michael B.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

To control rusting I used a Rust Inhibitor product from Rustoleum for my undercarrage items. This is not a clear paint. It goes on with the consistancy a little heavier than WD-40 and takes about 1/2 hour to dry. Visually, it is nearly undetectable but does have a slight waxy feel to the touch.

[Martin N.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

STEVE-

I've been using an Eastwood product for a number of years with great results and longivity.

Marty

[Dennis S.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

How about CRC WP-400?

[Joe R.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Steve,

On the exhaust manifold restoration, you might try Jerry MacNeish. Here's his web site:

http://www.z28camaro.com/

He has mine right now, so I can't comment from personal experience just yet. He puts an aluminum coating on them so the exterior does not rust. Then the owner paints 'em. I can probably find a thread on here that has more info if you're interested.

Joe

[Steve G.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Wow - lots of ideas there. Thanks guys! Joe, please do send link to thread if you have it. I appreciate the help! Steve

[Steve G.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Wow - lots of ideas there. Thanks guys! Joe, please do send link to thread if you have it. I appreciate the help! Steve

[Chuck W.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Wow - lots of ideas there. Thanks guys! Joe, please do send link to thread if you have it. I appreciate the help! Steve

On many suspension and small parts.... if you plate them with electrolys nickle and then tone down the finish with soda blasting or very low pressure glass bead blasting you can achieve a dull finish that very closely resembles natural casting. The trace remaining nickle is a good protectant requiring no maintenance and ages to a very natural color without any risk of lifting. Been using this method for a few years now with good success.

[Gary B.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

On the exhaust manifolds of my `62 I brushed on "naval jelly". After it dried it had a dark cask appearance. They have stood up after 15 years.

[Joe R.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Steve,

Here's a previous thread showing some of Jerry MacNeish's handiwork:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...neish&uid=1570

Joe

[Steve G.]

Re: Bare metal top coat recommendations

Thanks Joe. Those manifolds do look nice. I may give him a call. I don't have access to Restorer winter '90 article by Greg Ellis. But it looks like painting and heating to get a good finish is easy enough. To do it myself (and hopefully save some $) I need to get the manifolds sanblasted, paint with copper paint, cure them in an oven and let them cool based on other info in that thread. I may try that. I don't understand the part about putting the chevrolet overspray on them. If it burns right off, what's the difference if I overspray on them, or put the Chevy orange on before I attach the manifolds?

Speaking of Chevy orange, I have not been able to find the correct orange. They all appear to reddish to me. I have a couple lo mileage cars (unfortunately, these are Chevelles/Montes and not Corvettes) with orginal chevy orange paint on the engines. I have not been able to duplicate that color. Any recommended types of paint and/or process for spraying to get the right look there? Steve