Bare Steel Finishing

[Christopher R.]

Trying to decide how to best finish bare steel items in the engine compartment. Weighing the pros and cons of a clear painted finish versus an oiled or waxed finish. I can paint them with clear paint or coat them with oil or wax. First item is the brake master cylinder. But there are also lots of other items that are bare steel and seem to start to surface rust about 10 minutes after cleaning them. I hate rust. But I also hate phoney looking shiney painted surfaces. And I hate having to continually reapply a finish. Wondering what other people have done.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Bare Steel Finishing

So...From what I'm hearing, you would consider a painted clear finish if it weren't shiny? You're willing to sacrifice judging points for nice close-to-natural appearance long term? If so, consider a matte clear...it's low gloss, and if applied properly, you can barely tell it's there. If you want guaranteed acceptance on the judging field, oiling with Pre-Lube 6 or other products is the only alternative.

For me, constant re-oiling of natural parts is not an option, and neither is rust.

[Kent K.]

Re: Bare Steel Finishing

Chris,

I used Coricone back in 1993 when restoring my '67 and those bare steel parts have yet to rust. Of course, I put too many coats on and the stuff has discolored to a yellowish haze. But, I have been told that you can wipe it down with laquer thinner to either thin the coatings or remove it completely. Coricone may still be available but, if not, it is a parifin based product.

Regards, Kent Keech