N.O.S. Coill Springs- Rust Free! How To Protect?

[Gary B.]

Re: N.O.S. Coill Springs- Rust Free! How To Protect?

Gary-----

Later-manufactured SERVICE springs often have a black finish. Actually, I think it's powder coat rather than PAINT but, regardless, there is a black finish. Some of the later-manufactured SERVICE springs do not have this finish and are bare but many are black The 331319 pictured is usually bare, even if of later manufacture.

Early SERVICE pieces were bare. I expect that what happened was that GMSPO had complaints about the bare springs, which were not boxed and therefore had no rust control "VAPEX" paper, rusting in stock. Customers for SERVICE parts do not like to be handed a rusty part. So, the spec on the springs was changed to require a coating.

I do not think that any PRODUCTION coil springs at least through 1974 were black finished. It's possible, I suppose, that later C3 were so-coated, though.

Joe,

Thanks for the explanation of the black paint or powder coat. I don't know which it is since I haven't tried to remove it yet.
Gary

[Joe L.]

Re: N.O.S. Coill Springs- Rust Free! How To Protect?

So that's what that paper is !

Wayne-----


Not that "waffle pattern" paper. That's just common GMSPO packing paper. The "Vapex" paper is usually a light brown color and usually has blue or black printing on it that identifies it. I've never seen the "Vapex" paper used for anything but boxed or bagged parts. Without a container, I think the rust preventative compound would quickly "out-gas".