tail gate hardware
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: in country near Boone, IA
tail gate hardware
I know this is a paint / body forum question and it's posted there but no responses yet so I'll ask the experts here.
The tailgate support straps (the ones that fold up when you shut the tailgate) and the latches get some surface rust on them after about 30+ years. I've used some really worn out sand to clean them up (almost like using a soda blaster). I want them to look very similar to OEM hardware and they do now that they are cleaned up. Question - how do I keep them lookins this way for a LONG time. I've thought about clear coating but that makes them too shiny. What about just coatin them with WD40? any other suggestions? I don't want them painted as paint chips off when you close the tailgate.
Thanks
The tailgate support straps (the ones that fold up when you shut the tailgate) and the latches get some surface rust on them after about 30+ years. I've used some really worn out sand to clean them up (almost like using a soda blaster). I want them to look very similar to OEM hardware and they do now that they are cleaned up. Question - how do I keep them lookins this way for a LONG time. I've thought about clear coating but that makes them too shiny. What about just coatin them with WD40? any other suggestions? I don't want them painted as paint chips off when you close the tailgate.
Thanks
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Midwest-Chicago Area
Check out The Eastwood Company. They have all kinds of coatings and plating systems available. I'm sure you can find something there that will work for you. Eastwood Company: Auto Tools, Body Repair, Classic Car Restoration, House of Kolor Paint, Powder Coating
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: in country near Boone, IA
Thanks guys for the input. really trying to stay away from paint because it chips off. a oily coating is kinda what i'm after but something that doesn't wash off and won't collect dust. Kinda limits my products, huh? lol
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: in country near Boone, IA
4x4 Bart - looked at Fluid Films website - looks kinda enticing. You have evidently used this product? Does it leave a thick waxy coating that is pretty evident or is it more like a thin oil like wd40 or other petro solvents?
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mine have been painted for 3 years and only parts that have no paint are where they scissor together, quick blast every now and then and back to new
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: in country near Boone, IA
77f2504by4 - are they original or have you somehow used an abrasive media (wire wheel, sandpaper, media blasting) to clean them up? I'm thinking that since i've had to use some media blasting to get them cleaned up to a uniform color that the "protective rust coating" if there ever was such a thing on these parts, is peeled off and they will rust eventually. All body panels contain an E coat and once you grind that off, rust will form. I'm wondering if that's what will happen with these supports. Let me know 77f2504by4.
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From: Dracut, Massachusetts
i never touched them, as long as i've had the truck theve been there. i've had it 5 years now. i'm thinking they are galvanized.
heres a thought, what about using a product like por15 or rust bullet? they are thicker and tougher than regular paint...
heres a thought, what about using a product like por15 or rust bullet? they are thicker and tougher than regular paint...
