PHOSPHATE... APPEARANCE vs. MAINTENANCE TRADEOFFS and the long game...Sorry for this lengthy post. Trying to synthesize a
TON on prior discussion on related topics (which I've researched at length)... Opening a new topic; because while there's much discussion on correctness... i've not found quite so much material on long term implications (and what I did find was no longer current).
Regardless... several really good references (citated below). Because some of these go back almost ten years...
wondering how well they've stood up to the test of time?OBJECTIVE: Achieve a show-quality (i.e. points judged) finish; while also minimizing the burden for perpetual maintenance after the show's over...
--------
With respect to finish: It seems the bar has been set (so to speak) in a 2020 discussion (
HOOD HINGES SPRING) at:
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=18195.msg165290#msg165290 ... The hinge was zinc phosphated and the spring was cleaned and oiled.
--------
Regarding protection after phosphate treatment; and keeping it 'pretty' longer...
AT: "1969 Hood Hinge Color" (2012 discussion) at:
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9256 - LM69Z28 notes at: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9256.msg66317#msg66317 (edited)...
Lets not forget that "raw" phosphated hinges, springs or latch's etc will get surface rust on them "almost" overnight if its exposed to ANY type of moisture. ... There are many products out there ... to protect these parts after being finished. You don't want to pull them off ever year or so to redo them ...
My solution to this ... was several coats of Testors rattle can clear semi gloss lacquer. Then baked in the oven at 200 degrees. They look great and very correct with a nice medium gray finish!
- Further down (same thread); MikeS adds: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9256.msg66473#msg66473
... the hinges along with other parts that were originally phosphated were done in 1987 and still look great today. The trick it to use an oil that goes on wet and dries to the touch. I do this once a year using an artist brush on those parts and never had rust problems.
- and still further; 67L78 adds: http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=9256.msg66474#msg66474
I phosphated my hinges and related parts in 95 and they still look good. i apply with a small artist brush gun oil. It will attract dust which will build up but all i do is once and while wash the parts off with hot soapy water and reapply the gun oil.
--------
For what else it's worth: SUPPLIER'S instructions (Palmetto Enterprises) recommend cleaning & treating the freshly-treated parts using WD-40?
https://www.palmettoenterprisesparkerizing.com--------
REGARDING THE SPRINGS: 2018 discussion (GM HOOD HINGE SPRINGS) at:
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=16476.0To summarize/paraphrase (omitting individual links): Seems like the hot tips are either...
--------
KICKER (FOR EXTRA POINTS): I've seen (elsewhere) several photos/examples of cooking the RS hood latch in something like a 5-gal stew pot (With handle sticking out)... Anyone tried this, and how does it work in practice?
I presume the RS latch assembly would have to be flipped and cooked again? (Unless you can source a big enough kettle)... Is there a concern that parts of the handle may get double-dipped? Does this affect the finish? any other comments??
--------
Personally I like the idea of matte-clear over phosphate... But not sure how this will fare over the oiled surface (whether gun oil, WD-40, K-Y jelly, or whatever...??
Help please??
MANY THANKS for all inputs... Charley
Show Posts