Driveshaft Protection

[Michael M.]

Once you get the driveshaft down to clean metal how do you protect it from rusting again?

[Leif A.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

A light coat of satin clear spray paint

[Michael M.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

Leif, thank you for that information. I made a container from 4" PCV pipe and capped one end so I could immerse the driveshaft in evapo-rust. I was going to keep on wiping the driveshaft down with WD-40 or try RPM to prevent the rust from coming back but wanted some other ideas.

[Bill B.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

Mike,

You might try looking into Boeshield T-9, a spray like WD-40, but formulated by Boeing Aircraft to protect parts from corrosion. I have used it extensively in my restoration project with good results. Wipe on, let set a bit, then wipe the excess off. dies to a neutral finish. There is also a product called Sharkhide, which is more of a coating, especially for aluminum, and a bit more persnickety to apply to avoid streaking. Sharkhide is more easily detectable by discerning NCRS judges.

I'm sure restorers here with much more experience than I will chime in and share their recommendations of what works best but will still pass muster with Flight judging.

[David H.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

Michael

Any detectable coating will get a 20% Finish deduction.

If you can't find an undetectable coating, then the world is your oyster.

Any coating - a detectable satin clear, any paint (grey or black or yellow or orange or etc...), and chrome, will get you that same 20% Finish deduction.

Me, I used a cast-blast type paint to preserve surface and approximate original color.

Dave

[James W.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

After soaking in EvapoRust, I used RestoGard Dry from Quanta. I used it on the drive shaft, half shafts, strut rods, and muffler hangers in the picture.

In the past, I have used PreLube 6 which is hard to find, but really lasts.

James

[Ed S.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

RPM - Rust Prevention Magic - works great, especially if applied as per the instructions. Very difficult to detect - can't feel or see it (unless you put way too much on) - lasts 1 - 2 years. But.... if you are going to be judged - comes off easy with denatured alcohol - gone! After judging, easy to reapply.

[Michael M.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

Ed,
I am not sure how much heat a driveshaft generates, but I heard RPM is not use in areas where warm temperatures are present.

[Ed S.]

Re: Driveshaft Protection

Ed,
I am not sure how much heat a driveshaft generates, but I heard RPM is not use in areas where warm temperatures are present.

It works for me - as far as driveshafts "generating" heat - I don't thing a driveshaft generates any heat. Some heat may be transfered and absorbed from the trans tail section but it would have to navigate through the U-joint. And.... the drive shaft is spinning all the time, as in cooling. I did mine with RPM and it has lasted over a year.

[James W.]