Order of operations.

[OverUnder725]

Sending out my frame and separated front running gear to get blasted on Friday. Trying to figure out when to paint, assemble, put bushings in etc. My plan was to paint all parts, put bushings in and reassemble. Sounds simple enough but then my OCD starts talking. If I do it in this order, do I buy all new bolts etc. so they are shiny and new too? The old ones will clean up with a wire wheel but then will they look like crap and turn rusty in a year? Do I say screw it and assemble then prime and paint? What about all the places that wouldn't have primer and paint on them and paint all over the new bushings? But then all the bolts will be painted to match. I know it sounds crazy but, this stuff keeps me up at night!

 

[ali_c20]

After getting rid of the rust I apply 2 coats of primer asap. Blasted parts can start to rust again after a few hours if it's humid. After curing of the primer a quality paint for chassis.
Currently I use a very good 1k primer from Switzerland and 2k paint medium gloss level. I buy new bolts because nobody knows if they are stretched or have other flaws cause they were abused by previous owner. I got yellow zinc bolts, I like the black frame gold bolts combination. You will scratch the paint during assembly but that's nothing a little touch up couldn't fix. That's how I do it. My k5 was done that way 9 years ago and yet no rust.

 

[Ricko1966]

I would paint first, carefully install bushings,degrease,clean, and either bead blast,or electrolysis my hardware. Zinc plate it you can leave it zinc, or dip it in sodium dichromate to give the appearance of cad plating. I'd cad plate it but I don't think you can get the supplies any more,because of the hazards. Lastly I'd touch up anything I chipped or scratched.. looks like ali was typing faster than me so a quick edit, looks like what Ali and I both said was similiar, I'd spray the frame immediately after blasting with Ospho out of a garden sparyer,it protects the metal can be sprayed right then and there when you pick up the frame, enamel can be shot right over it. Epoxy you will have to re wet it with ospho then rinse with water before putting down epoxy.

 

[OverUnder725]

After getting rid of the rust I apply 2 coats of primer asap. Blasted parts can start to rust again after a few hours if it's humid. After curing of the primer a quality paint for chassis.
Currently I use a very good 1k primer from Switzerland and 2k paint medium gloss level. I buy new bolts because nobody knows if they are stretched or have other flaws cause they were abused by previous owner. I got yellow zinc bolts, I like the black frame gold bolts combination. You will scratch the paint during assembly but that's nothing a little touch up couldn't fix. That's how I do it. My k5 was done that way 9 years ago and yet no rust.

Are the new bolts available as kits or do you just make a list and head off the the local bolt supply and buy new grade 8 hardware to match the old?

 

[Ricko1966]

Zinc Plating with Common Materials

I was looking for a kit for you because I didn't want to write up the process. Found this, that guys guys process is better than mine and what I will use next time.

 

[ali_c20]

Kits

Are the new bolts available as kits or do you just make a list and head off the the local bolt supply and buy new grade 8 hardware to match the old?

There are kits from AMK but they are pricey and they don't have kits all kits for our trucks. If you have a good hardware store go there for the common stuff.
Her is the link to AMK, it looks they have every bolt one could need:
https://www.amkproducts.com/

 

[ali_c20]

Zinc Plating with Common Materials

I was looking for a kit for you because I didn't want to write up the process. Found this, that guys guys process is better than mine and what I will use next time.

The process is great but time consuming if you do a lot of parts. Have to try it.

 

[OverUnder725]

Great information, thank you!

 

[75gmck25]

When looking for bolts in local stores I find that Ace hardware has the best overall organization, Lowes is organized well but has fewer choices, and Home Depot has a hodgepodge organization that makes it difficult to find what you need for specific strength, threads, etc.

All of them are relatively expensive if you only need a couple of bolts of each type. McMaster Carr or Fastenal also have good price and selection, but the packaging (sometimes you have to buy 10-50 minimum) and shipping (for McMaster) can run up the cost.

 

[OverUnder725]

There is a store called the Bolt Supply House where I live. It has open stock on virtually every bolt / screw type fastener your could ever want. I will check them out.