Bare Metal parts

[radarme 15]

I'm in the process of cleaning rust and old paint off all the parts of my C-121. I've never restored anything before that is going to spend much of its new life outdoors. For all the parts that look to be bare metal (PTO Rod Housing, Clutch rod, Clutch lever, Motion Control lever), do you guys have these recoated with something to keep them from rusting? I've removed the light surface rust.... but I'm pretty sure it will come back in short order unless I coat it with something. What about some kind of clear coat?

thanks

[whfan74 2,068]

I have seen them left as is.....and over time with a little moisture you will get some light surface rust. Others have painted and I have also seen quite a few chrome plated. Though it looks nice that last option becomes a little pricey and would only be suggested for someone who is doing a full on restore.

It all depends on what your plans are for the tractor when it is done and if it will be in a temperature controlled environment.

[Hodge71 664]

I would say if you have it apart, hit it with Eastwoods Detail Grey spray bombs. It looks exactly as if the bare metal was bead blasted and protects from rusting. It works great and has been used in the auto restoration industry for years now

[rmaynard 15,718]

The coating that was originally on those parts is zinc. You can have them replated, you can paint them, or you can have them powder coated. My powder-coater has a color called White Aluminum, RAL 9006. It looks very much like the original zinc plating.

[dobeleo 7]

Has anyone tried "Cold Galvanizing Spray" ? The fab shop I work for stores some of the metal fixtures outside and have been sprayed with them and they havent rusted.

Rustoleum has it in a spray can.

[Kelly 1,030]

I've tried the cold galvanizing spray a few years ago it does not hold up to ware very well, I have also just painted the parts with a flat silver but I found a local plater that does a great job cheap and had some stuff zinc plated looks very nice so far I'm happy with how it is holding up, I'm getting a batch of stuff ready to be plated soon.

[AMC RULES 37,141]

I just gotta say how great this bare metal wash is from Eastwood. :thumbs:

http://www.eastwood....metal-wash.html

Cheap, and really easy to use....per the directions, mix a little in a empty sprayer bottle with warm water...spray and wipe down. The small tin can has plenty enough to do an entire car.

You can really extend the time it prevents flash rusting by not wiping it down after applying...just let it air dry to a white powdery coating. Really good stuff here.

From Eastwoods site...

About Eastwood Metal Wash

Promote topcoat adhesion on bare metal. Metal Wash cleans and protects in one quick step without using harsh or flammable solvents. This non-toxic compound removes grease, oily preservatives and contaminants, leaving behind corrosion inhibitors that prevent flash rusting for up to 3 weeks and promotes adhesion of paints and powder coatings. Ideal for the preparation of any base metal, including freshly abrasive blasted parts (even after blasting, surface contaminants remain). Economical to use, metal wash is a dry compound that can be mixed with hot water in whatever quantity is needed (makes 7 quarts)

An effective degreaser concentrate - add a teaspoon to any wet tumbling action for improved cleaning.One year hassle free warranty.