Parkerizing ...

[Tom L.]

I've recently posted questi0ns about re-plating fasteners in an effort to retain the re-usable ones on the rear suspension of my car. Based on the responses I've gotten and my objectives I don't think that re-plating will be the best path, replacing may be more convienient and cost effective. I regularly drive my car in good weather but as we know, during driving the car will eventually be exposed to some environmental road conditions, like the unexpected rain shower.

I've done a bunch of research on the board as well as the rest of the internet on parkerizing. On the surface, no pun untended, it appears to be a reasonable alternative to black oxide finishes butI have a few of questions for those that have used this method of plating.

1. How does it compare to other "black" coatings on repro bolts in terms of rust prevention?

2. I've read that if the finish is not oiled occasionally it will begin to rust. Is this correct?

3. Is it best suited for interrior parts that are not exposed to road conditions?

Thanks for your input!

[Chuck S.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

I've recently posted questi0ns about re-plating fasteners in an effort to retain the re-usable ones on the rear suspension of my car. Based on the responses I've gotten and my objectives I don't think that re-plating will be the best path, replacing may be more convienient and cost effective. I regularly drive my car in good weather but as we know, during driving the car will eventually be exposed to some environmental road conditions, like the unexpected rain shower.

I've done a bunch of research on the board as well as the rest of the internet on parkerizing. On the surface, no pun untended, it appears to be a reasonable alternative to black oxide finishes butI have a few of questions for those that have used this method of plating.

1. How does it compare to other "black" coatings on repro bolts in terms of rust prevention?

2. I've read that if the finish is not oiled occasionally it will begin to rust. Is this correct?

3. Is it best suited for interrior parts that are not exposed to road conditions?

Thanks for your input!

1. I don't have actual cost comparison, but I believe phosphate treating of metal parts and fasteners is the very cheapest means of obtaining some corrosion resistance on steel. Paint is far superior for corrosion resistance, but in the case of fasteners, paint thickness causes problems.

Phosphate is probably also the least durable of corrosion resistant coatings, however GM was satisfied it would last long enough for use in non-visible and barely-visible locations. I found most of my phosphated chassis fasteners to still be identifiable as such after 20+ years of unpampered existence...it depends on the resident use environment. Stainless steel is the ticket if you don't want your chassis fasteners to ever rust, but stainless won't be even close to authentic restoration.

2. Yes, but the initial oil film should last a long time...see above.

3. The answer to that depends on your longevity standard...GM's standard was if you don't mind a "little" rust after a few years or so of "normal" service, then chassis use was fine. If you re-apply an oil coating every several years, I believe you can extend your rust-free phosphate fasteners indefinitely...providing you don't get caught in an occasional salt treating of the roads.

[Edward J.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Lynn, The black oxide finish was not used much on our cars but is a harder finish and looks great and doesn't rust as easy. the black phosphate finish is more widely use on the undercarriage hardware. and is oiled after the plating. I think that the interior screws were the black oxide finish.

[Michael F.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Parkerizing or black oxide has it's limits. If you put a wrench to it? It's going to scratch. The scratch will rust.
On the firearms I build,I use parkerizing as a base coat for advanced industrial moly based paints. Too much trouble for a car.

[Tom L.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Thanks to all for your reply's. Seems there is litle one can do to prevent rust unless i go stainless, which I'm not really interested in. I was hoping that with a little extra effort I could have a bit of both worlds, origionality and as little rust as possible. Seems I might be better off putting the effort elsewhaere and just get repro hardware and deal with a bit of rust after a while.

And by the way, it is HIGHLY unlikely to get caught in a salting. The car goes to sleep from about thanksgiving to easter. The thought physically hurts!

[Alan S.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Hi Lynn,
I'd still encourage you to use the Parkerizing system for the parts on your car that it would be appropriate for like hood latch bases and some under body mounting plates, and the few bolts and nuts that had it as a coating.
I found it VERY easy to do at home, inexpensive, and the finish has held up very well since my car doesn't see the road conditions it did many years ago and it doesn't sound like yours does either.
I hope you consider it!
Regards,
Alan

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Alan:
What product do you use? For black phosphate I have been using "ShootersSolution" but am always looking for alternatives. For black oxide, Caswell.
Jeff

[Tom L.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Alan, glad you chimed in. I saw some of your work in the archives and I was impressed and hopeful. Whose kits/chemicals do you use? And, for the pieces that are exposed to the outdoors, do you oil them as a form of maintainance?

Jeff, I looked at the Shooters solution website. There are several kits availible, which do you use?

Thanks!!

[Patrick H.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Alan:
What product do you use? For black phosphate I have been using "ShootersSolution" but am always looking for alternatives.
Jeff

Jeff,

Have you had any bad results with the Shooters? I have not.

Patrick

[Edward J.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Thanks to all for your reply's. Seems there is litle one can do to prevent rust unless i go stainless, which I'm not really interested in. I was hoping that with a little extra effort I could have a bit of both worlds, origionality and as little rust as possible. Seems I might be better off putting the effort elsewhaere and just get repro hardware and deal with a bit of rust after a while.

And by the way, it is HIGHLY unlikely to get caught in a salting. The car goes to sleep from about thanksgiving to easter. The thought physically hurts!

Lynn, I don't know how you feel about the possiablty of just buying a can satin clear spray paint and maybe just a quick spray before you install the bolts, its almost invisiable and will help with the rust.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Lynn, I don't know how you feel about the possiablty of just buying a can satin clear spray paint and maybe just a quick spray before you install the bolts, its almost invisiable and will help with the rust.

The purpose of parkerizing is to act as either an "oil holding" base if you wish to oil the part, or as a base for paint. Obviously, if you oil the part you can't paint it.

I've black phosphated/Parkerized a lot of Corvette bolts over the past several years, and had no issues with their appearance with the limited use that the Corvettes see. In fact, they look better than some of the ones I buy already in black.

Patrick

[Alan S.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Hi Jeff & Lynn,
I bought my parkerizing solutions from Palmetto Enterprises years ago. (Google) I have both the zinc phosphate (gray) and manganese phosphate (very dark gray). I've found it very easy to use and get good results consistently. I finish the parts with Pre-Lube 6, a spray I buy from Quanta (the gas tank people)
When you google Palmetto I believe you'll see some other sources too.
Regards,
Alan

[Domenic T.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Alan,
where can I find quanta,
I would like to give them a call?

DOM

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Lynn:
The Shooters Sololution I bought is the "Heavy-Duty Industrial Manganese Parkerizing Kit" It is on the website for $39.99.
Patrick:
I have had nothing but good results with this kit but I'm always looking for alternatives.
Jeff

[Terry M.]

Re: Parkerizing ...

Alan,
where can I find quanta,
I would like to give them a call?

DOM

Dom,

Believe it or not -- there is a radio button at the top (well almost the top) of this page that says "VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS" You will find a link to Quanta bt clicking on it. Second vendor down on the left. Tell them NCRS sent you -- they may offer an NCRS discount.