Protecting metal w/out paint.

[BaconBitRacing]

Okay, let me preface this. Some parts cannot have paint, due to the affect of paint and primer of "building up" and stopping moving parts from, well, moving. Things like the axle and, my subject today, adjustable seat rails. What do you do to prevent rust from getting on these parts? I put a fairly thin layer of oil on my seat rails, one worked, one didn't. Keep in mind we've had close to 90 percent humidity for the last few days. I'm interested to see what y'all do.

 

[G.W]

Candle wax is a decent solution

 

[Snaker]

In mfg, consistent fitment is a big deal. That's a big benefit of powder coating, the thickness can be anticipated and included in the design dimensions.
But movement is a whole other ballgame, paint does not make a good bearing surface.
Movement contact is handled by special metals like stainless steel or bronze, added material like Teflon strips, actual bearings or oilites or bearing rails, space for heavy lube, etc.

 

[Vtdad28]

Iv seen people hose everything down with wd-40 before

 

[G.W]

Iv seen people hose everything down with wd-40 before

WD40 is actually water based, it will help for a short, but once it starts drying up it will attract moisture and cause pretty significant premature surface rust.

 

[G.W]

You know what might work good is a white lithium grease. I've used it before on chains and it works great lubricating and preventing rust

 

[Master Hack]

 

[Denny]

Gibbs protectant!

 

[Sandmanbjj]

I thought wd40 was specifically designed to prevent rust. the wd stands for water deterrent.
I don't use it to protect from rust. I was just under the impression that's what it was for.

 

[BaconBitRacing]

I thought wd40 was specifically designed to prevent rust. the wd stands for water deterrent.
I don't use it to protect from rust. I was just under the impression that's what it was for.

On aircraft aluminum if I remember correctly, but that's not rust, it's corrosion. Feel free to fact check me on that..

 

[G.W]

I thought wd40 was specifically designed to prevent rust. the wd stands for water deterrent.
I don't use it to protect from rust. I was just under the impression that's what it was for.

The wd actually means water displacement. It's a water based formula that prevents rust for a short time, then it will cause rust. This is why it can help remove surface rust, but needs to be cleaned off with a degreeser.

Yes, wd40 does work very well with aluminum because aluminum doesn't corrode as easily as steel

 

[Bansil]

Look into cold black oxide kits works decent

Cold Black oxide kit

Click and research

(basically it causes a layer of dyed rust)

 

[Sandmanbjj]

The wd actually means water displacement. It's a water based formula that prevents rust for a short time, then it will cause rust. This is why it can help remove surface rust, but needs to be cleaned off with a degreeser.

Yes, wd40 does work very well with aluminum because aluminum doesn't corrode as easily as steel

I learn something new daily.

 

[Denny]

You could get it hot dip galvanized pretty cheaply. Or on the other end of the spectrum triple chrome plating (copper, nickel, chrome).

 

[Bansil]

You could get it hot dip galvanized pretty cheaply. Or on the other end of the spectrum triple chrome plating (copper, nickel, chrome).

Around here we pay $375 min. lot charge for Hot Dipped Galvanize.

Also HDG will add min. of .015/.025 per surface and it is not flat or smooth, we drill holes .025 or even .050 O/S so we don't have to ream them.

Also another thing is to use a mixture of ZEP dissolved in water to "copper plate" rinse with water, dry VERY WELL and soon after treatment, then spray with light coat of clear to further protect the outer sides of the metal

 

[Bansil]

The wd actually means water displacement. It's a water based formula that prevents rust for a short time, then it will cause rust. This is why it can help remove surface rust, but needs to be cleaned off with a degreeser.

Yes, wd40 does work very well with aluminum because aluminum doesn't corrode as easily as steel

Also WD40 will chemically remove some surface finishes like Alodine and Some versions of Chemical film

 

[G.W]

Also WD40 will chemically remove some surface finishes like Alodine and Some versions of Chemical film

I've used alot of wd40 to remove surface rust on my.ct90 project. I'm currently soaking the fork springs in wd40 in my ultrasonic cleaner

 

[Master Hack]

Around here we pay $375 min. lot charge for Hot Dipped Galvanize

Wow! I paid $50 to have a 54” mower deck dipped along with some other parts!
It doesn’t work on parts with a close tolerance fit or moving parts. It does keep rust away, nicely!

 

[G.W]

Wow! I paid $50 to have a 54” mower deck dipped along with some other parts!
It doesn’t work on parts with a close tolerance fit or moving parts. It does keep rust away, nicely!

At that price I would pay to have a go kart frame dipped

 

[Master Hack]

Now that I think about it, that was 5 years ago. It could be way more than that now. ( lets go Brandon!)

Pacific States Galvanizing (OR)