C-1 rear axle bearing retainers - plated, painted or both?

[Keith R.]

I'm redoing my rear axle bearing retainer plates which had a bunch of surface rust on them and before I bead blasted them, I noted that sections of them appeared to have a plated shine. Were these plated first then painted black?

[John N.]

Re: C-1 rear axle bearing retainers - plated, painted or both?

I'm redoing my rear axle bearing retainer plates which had a bunch of surface rust on them and before I bead blasted them, I noted that sections of them appeared to have a plated shine. Were these plated first then painted black?

I have seen a number of NOS retainers and have not seen a plated one. Most are painted or dipped black (several were unpainted). No reason not to plate and then paint if one wants to. Make sure that the gasket surface is flat. Bubba would sometimes pull the axle into the housing by tighting the bolts and bend the retainer.
Regards

[Keith R.]

Re: C-1 rear axle bearing retainers - plated, painted or both?

Thanks John,

Maybe what I am seeing is unplated metal but it would be best to protect these in some manner given that they are so precious! Maybe its wise to powdercoat them.