ConcoursMustang Forums
Restoring - General discussions that span across many different groups of years and models => Suspension => Topic started by: BBs70fastback on February 25, 2012, 02:20:24 PM
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Here are pictures of my coil springs before and after evaporusting, off my 1970. I assumed I would find a lot of black paint under the rust, but did not. Just found dark grey, phosphate like color. (note that I did have some black residue after evaporusting, but it seemed like black liquid from the de-rusting process, not paint like I have seen on other parts). Another post mentioned that all the black paint would have flexed off over the years, and so even if you didn’t find black paint, they should be black.
Interesting how the paint markings held up better than anything else. I flecked off the paint markings to check for black underneath and found none. Would the dark grey springs be proper/possible for a 1970 Dearborn?? I also assumed the paint markings go on after the black paint?? If the paint markings went on first that might explain the absence of black under the markings.
If the dark grey is correct, was that a phosphate finish or something else? (not against painting them black, just trying to be accurate).
Thanks, Barry
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If the dark grey is correct, was that a phosphate finish or something else? (not against painting them black, just trying to be accurate).
The phosphate coloring is likely IMHO the results of the oil quenching process used in hardening steel for use on parts like these. What you found is pretty typical from the ones I've cleaned and found over the years. Had at least one worker describe the front coil springs as being phosphate in color during a discussion
The color can be a very dark gray to an almost black - this may have differed slightly on how dirty (how used) the oil bath was when the springs were dipped.
I've used the liquid gun bluing for years for this purpose - followed by a protectant oil while others use things like Insta-Black.
Example (Yes zert fitting were removed before it was done)
(http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/firetrainer/69%209R02R13%20Project/9R02R131545PSfrntsusp.jpg)
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Thanks so much for the response and picture! Do the paint marks go on before the bluing or insta-black?
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Thanks so much for the response and picture! Do the paint marks go on before the bluing or insta-black?
Like with any part (and how it was originally) the finish of the part comes first and then any pretty ;) paint mark. Then you can choose to oil or protect it in your own way
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Do the paint marks go on before the bluing or insta-black?
MAN ! I would "gun blue" over those marks - they are nice !! (So many "over restore" with incorrect strokes or worse (tape and spray) )
Mark
P.S. You don't always see 100% of them anyway
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MAN ! I would "gun blue" over those marks - they are nice !! (So many "over restore" with incorrect strokes or worse (tape and spray) )
Good idea - maybe evapo-rust the springs and then recolor them