painting leaf springs?

i got my rear end out, all cleaned up and painted purdy. now the leafs look like ****. i figured i'd repack and use new bushings but can i paint them or will the paint just crack when the springs flex? any tips, what kind of paint?

 

I believe Ch***is Black will work just dandy. Mine are painted that way and havent cracked, hell I reversed the spring and it didnt crack...

 

Yep, I just came inside from painting one ch***is black. I love that stuff. It makes me look like I know how to paint. Ha ha

 

I have powder coated, KBS coated, spray painted and automotive painted leafs before and have never had an issue. I don't think there is enough flex in the leafs to really matter. Make sure the prep is good or else it will come off pretty quick.

 

I've just wire brushed mine and shot them with Rustolium and I've never had a problem with cracking or pealing.

 

Rustolium here to, looks great no cracking.

 

you guys use a flat or something like an appliance epoxy rustoleum?

 

i painted mine with brush on rustoleum satin no troubles.

 

rustoleum gloss,brush on.works like a champ.............dave

 

I live down a dirt road. Satin rustoleum. Brushed and sprayed. Have coat hanger wires all over the shop with parts hanging. Put axle grease between the leaves.

 

mine on the stude was painted chrome yellow and been out in the weather for atleast 15 years and no cracks, some surface rust but not much. I see no cracks on mine.

 

alright, i guess that about answers my question. thanks for the replies.

 

I've used Satin and Semi-gloss brush on thinned with mineral spirits and shot from my primer gun. A lot better then using thier rattle cans. Job goes much faster.

 

How do you get the paint to stick to the grease?
(Just kidding!)

 

I use a good brush on rustoleum gloss black,mixed with clean 30wt. motor oil. It surface hardens, but stays 'gummy" on the inside..I call it my self -lubricating'spring paint'...

 

Rustoleum here too- that stuff will stick to anything!

 

I powder coated mine- black of course. They look nice but have yet to see the road. I was planning on teflon tape (3/4 wide) between the springs- anyone try this? I thought axle grease might be a little messy.

 

I've used the Teflon liner stuf from Speedway motors. Then w****d the spring with header wrap to cover tha Non-period look of the liner lip.

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/2079,323_Spring-Liners-with-Lip.html




It works *****'in, I'll probably do it to all my cars now.

 

Most paint and Powder Coat will flex, up to a point.
That's why it doesn't crack on springs.

 

If you have a friend in the marine industry have him get you some "Awlgrip" paint. It's used on aircraft also........has lots of flex and looks great. I have used it on springs........nice stuff.