Refurb Of Suspension Arms, Protection After Electrolysis??

[Steve 940]

Hi,

In process of refurbishing some spare suspension struts and arms prior to rebushing.

Just realised I've started this without getting all my stuff together!!! I have a pair of arms due to come out of electrolysis bath this afternoon.

Due to blundering in on this project, Im now faced with protecting the arms from flash rusting, and of course I've only now thought about getting paints etc to hand.....

Concern is that I understand you have a couple of hours after coming out of electrolysis to bake to aid removal of hydrogen embrittlement.

If I pull them out today, bake in the oven, they're going to flash rust till I sort my stuff out. Or do I leave in the bath with the charger turned off, and bake once I have sorted the paints out??

Other option is to pull them out and scrub today, then quick dip again followed by bake in the oven when I have paints to hand??

Are multiple dips bad from an embrittlement point of view??

Probably intend to do etch primer, followed by satin chassis black.

Any suggestions most appreciated,
Cheers
Steve

[griston64]

My powder coat guy highly recommended an etch primer to use to stop flash rusting. I bought two tins and never used it

I'll have a look at it when i get in tonight

[Forrest]

I should have thought you could get a tin of suitable etch primer from a trade outlet or even DIY store in time to treat the items.

Fair play for doing this. When I had some suspension items to restore I just paid to have them sand-blasted and powder coated.

[Bob Meadows]

I use Jenolite (liquid) rust remover & treatment- this also leaves a rust protecting coat in place ready for painting: this will delay flash rusting.

Red Oxide next- either sprayed or brushed on.
You can etch prime as the next stage if you wish.
Top coat all the above with your choice of paint- Chassis Black is fine.
Regards Bob.

(One of my cars has just turned '68 so seems ok!)

[griston64]

Originally Posted by griston64

My powder coat guy highly recommended an etch primer to use to stop flash rusting. I bought two tins and never used it

I'll have a look at it when i get in tonight

This stuff



Cheers

[Steve 940]

Many thanks for all suggestions, and think I’ll knock off a bit early today, and get them baked for a few hours and then coat with some etch primer that I’ll have to pick up on way home.

Then I can do topcoats on all parts once all arms are primed.

Oh if only I had actually planned and got paints first!!

Cheers
Steve

[TonyS9]

I use the following process for acid or electrolysis removal

1. Scrub the part down under the tap
2. Dry off with paper towel and leave to full dry in normal room temp.
3. Remove any remaining rust with wire brush drill
4. Coat with zinc paint (not zinc primer), either Zinga or other galvanising paint (don't coat any machined hard metal joining surfaces, like where bushes push in).
5. Coat with 2 part epoxy mastic