Suspension paint color?

[zebra12]

I have the original issue Nth TT, auto tranny and oil pan skids. They are battleship gray and look good.

 

[BlueRidge304]

Same brand and type ("Professional", for whatever that's worth). I considered the darker graphite, but none of the local stores carried it. I did paint an entire AMC 360 V8 with the graphite once, and it looked incredible!

I degreased everything, lightly sanded the original paint on the control arms (figured that paint had good bite, or it wouldn't still be there), wiped everything down with mineral spirits, shot it with self-etching primer, then the top coat. I will say this: It is imperative that you follow the instructions on the can to the letter! I didn't, initially, trying to put a second topcoat on after a couple of hours. The paint lifted, and I had to start over. Oops! Additional coats within an hour of the first coat, or after 48 hours, which is what I now do. I want that stuff cured! I'm pleased with the results. Once it's cured, it has a nice, hard finish.

This is super helpful, thank you for sharing your process! I agree that there is value using a color that is readily available locally.

 

[BlueRidge304]

I wonder if painted springs have an additive added to the paint for elasticity/flexibility. Obviously, you wouldn't be doing so with rattle-can paint, but when using a paint gun, for instance. It seems like a hardened/cured paint would crack as the springs compressed and relaxed. I wonder...

Another option (although more expensive) might be having the springs powder coated. On the other hand, the rattle-can method would allow for easy touch ups when they get dinged and chipped. I have never tried painting springs, but I'm inclined to think that if they were well prepped, and that self-etching primer was used, the paint would be fine on them.

I may give it a try in my pursuit of understated blue accents :couch:.

 

[Squatch]

Another option (although more expensive) might be having the springs powder coated. On the other hand, the rattle-can method would allow for easy touch ups when they get dinged and chipped. I have never tried painting springs, but I'm inclined to think that if they were well prepped, and that self-etching primer was used, the paint would be fine on them.

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I may give it a try in my pursuit of understated blue accents :couch:.

If you do, please post the results. I'm curious to know how it works out for you.

 

[BlueRidge304]

If you do, please post the results. I'm curious to know how it works out for you.

Will do, this could be a good project over the winter. Thank you for starting the conversation and getting some unique ideas out there.

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

20 some years ago, while I still had my CJ, I had a red 1986 S10 4x4. One of the best little trucks I ever had. I don't know why but one day I sanded the rear differential cover down on that truck and painted it orange. About a week later someone asked me why I painted my pumpkin orange. I didn't really have an answer but since it was just a couple of weeks before Halloween I took some black paint and turned it into a jack-o'-lantern.

As for my TJ's suspension, it is the "about 65000 miles since new" color.

 

[Squatch]

About a week later someone asked me why I painted my pumpkin orange

Well, what other would you paint a "pumpkin"?
Turning it into a jack-o'-lantern...what a hoot!

 

[bobthetj03]

I painted my OME steering stabilizer battleship grey. Considered getting some Cast Blast and paint some other chassis components. Did my front diff cover with it.

 

[Kiwi TJ]

I like the idea but yes you do have to be careful what colour you choose...bright colours would be out for me.
When I get to the underside I will only paint my new springs and Rancho shocks and possibly the diff cover.....maybe a dark blue colour the rest will stay black.( going with the different but understated look )