Painting Axles

[roachrider]

What paint would you guys recommend for painting an axle, springs, etc that is available in normal local stores. I'm painting tomorrow so I don't have time to order anything.

Other than getting them good and clean with a wire brush first, is there anything else I should do to prep before painting?

[flyboy2610]

Paint 'em with POR-15. It's tough stuff, and will not rust.

[roachrider]

Would that be a Lowe's/Home Depot/AutoParts sort of thing or a specialized paint shop?

[FORDification]

Well, I doubt any of the local stores are going to have POR-15, but I have to agree that it's probably the best thing to use on your axle....just so that you'll never have to do it again. With any other kind of paint you'll have to basically sandblast the housing to get rid of all rust prior to painting. POR-15, on the other hand, can be used right over the top of the rust....as long as it's clean/dry rust with no flakes. It actually adhere's better to rust than clean fresh metal. And once it's done, you'll never have to worry about it again. With virtually any other form of conventional paint, you're going to get nicks and scratches that will need semi-frequent touchups.

http://www.por-15.com

[boots]

can u brush por 15 on?

[fordman]

yes i come in a can with a brush i think.

[FORDification]

Yep, that's the other nice thing about it....no special equipment needed, except for some rubber gloves, since you DON'T want to get this stuff on your skin. It'll be there for weeks! (Ask me how I know!)

[roachrider]

I've been looking on their site, and they have quick shipping. I think I'm going to order some tonight with expedited shipping and hope it gets here in time.

I really don't know how many square feet are on an axle...You guys think a quart is enough for axle, knuckles, draglink, drums, and that rod that goes between the two knuckles?

How much Metal Ready do you think I should get?

[FORDification]

A quart of the POR-15 will be plenty....a little goes a long way. If you aren't planning on doing any more painting in the near future, I'd think a quart of MetalReady would be plenty too.

However, when you find out how easy this stuff is to apply, you're going to want to do more painting, and you're gonna need more! (Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it, right?)

[roachrider]

Exactly! I'm placing the order now. I'll take some pics when I'm done so you guy's can see how it turns out!