Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

[Roger D.]

Folks:

Scattered throughout the archives here are discussions of using anti-rust products such as Boeshield, Quanta RestoGuard, etc. on natural finish parts during a restore. Another option I've heard about is using a clear coat to prevent rust of those parts, e.g., spindles, drive/half shafts, rear strut rods, etc... I was wondering if some of you could post a few pros/cons of both to help me decide which way to go. One of the questions I have is when using an anti-rust product such as Boeshield or others is how often (if ever) do you have to re-apply them to enable continued protection? How about clear coat? How durable is that option?

I am near ready to put the chassis back together and need to decide so I can finsh preparation of the parts.

Thanks folks.

Roger

[Joe L.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Folks:

Scattered throughout the archives here are discussions of using anti-rust products such as Boeshield, Quanta RestoGuard, etc. on natural finish parts during a restore. Another option I've heard about is using a clear coat to prevent rust of those parts, e.g., spindles, drive/half shafts, rear strut rods, etc... I was wondering if some of you could post a few pros/cons of both to help me decide which way to go. One of the questions I have is when using an anti-rust product such as Boeshield or others is how often (if ever) do you have to re-apply them to enable continued protection? How about clear coat? How durable is that option?

I am near ready to put the chassis back together and need to decide so I can finsh preparation of the parts.

Thanks folks.

Roger

Roger------


It's really pretty simple:

The rust preventative products (e.g. Pre-Lube 6) are the best choice IF you are prepared to re-apply them periodically WITHOUT FAIL.

If the above doesn't apply, then a light application of a matte finish clearcoat is the best choice. This is the method I use.

[Michael G.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

It all depends on what you are doing with the car. A show car that is going to sit in a climate-controled building (and not be driven in the elements) can get by with either clear-coat or rust preventive for many years. If the car is slightly driven and perhaps sees some rain, the rust preventive needs to be reapplied periodically, before it starts to rust. The clear-coat paints will survive some driving and water, but it really depends on what paint you use (and how well you coated the parts) as to how long it will last. If the cars sees lots of humidity (read: Florida) and/or salt, neither method will last very long. Good luck

[Kurt G.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

I've had good luck using the silver variety of anti-seize compound. Apply it with a cloth, let it set for a few minutes and wipe off the excess and the "silver" appearance, if there is any. It works really well. I applied the compound to my natural parts about a year ago and they still look good. I must admit, though, I don't drive the car much because of my schedule and my plans for Duntov at the national this year.

[Bill W.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

After I get the correct finish I soak them in oil,stp,gear lube,or cosmoline , Etc . then a good wipe down . Some things get satin clear .

[Peter S.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Hi Roger,

Have you thought of Rust Prevention Magic (http://www.ecs-rpm.com/) I have not used it, but it looks pretty slick.

Peter

[Roger D.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Ok. I intend to drive the car as I enjoy that more than looking at it! I probably put a 1000 to 1500 miles each year. Never drive it in the rain (and drive slow through water on the roads).

Some of the rust preventatives are parafin based? Does dust tend to stick to those rust preventative type products? If so, then I may lean towards the satin clear finish route.

Roger

[Joe L.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Ok. I intend to drive the car as I enjoy that more than looking at it! I probably put a 1000 to 1500 miles each year. Never drive it in the rain (and drive slow through water on the roads).

Some of the rust preventatives are parafin based? Does dust tend to stick to those rust preventative type products? If so, then I may lean towards the satin clear finish route.

Roger

Roger------


Yes, dust does adhere, to one degree or another, to most, if not all, of the rust preventative compounds. In general, the more long lasting the compound, the more it will suffer from this.

[Rob M.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

I paint sprayed my casted items just in casting color (is available in the market). I did the same with the engine, first sprayed it casting color for protection and then very lightly with the Chevy orange (with some non covering in area's which are known not to receive much paint (like behind exhaust manifolds, behind waterpump and the oilpan). In my opinion most restored engines get far to much orange paint coverage...

[Michael G.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

If you're going to drive it in any water whatsoever, you need to skip the non-paint type products or you will have to go back and redo it

If you prepare the bare parts rigorously, per the instructions on the paint can, then apply several coats of clear immediately, without touching them with your hands, the paint should last quite a while.

If you drive through any water with dissolved residual road salt, all bets are off.

Good luck,

[Roger D.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Hi Roger,

Have you thought of Rust Prevention Magic (http://www.ecs-rpm.com/) I have not used it, but it looks pretty slick.

Peter

Thanks Peter for posting that. It looks like it might be a good product. I think I'm leaning now towards the clear coat route.

Roger

[Roger D.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Based on the above discussion, I think I'm leaning now towards the clear coat for protection.

For those who've used clear coat can somone recommend a product that they've used? I went to a couple of auto stores and didn't find anything that was specifically labeled as satin or matte clear finish.

Thanks again for all your input.

Roger

[Joseph M.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Has anyone tried some of the products designed for long term firearm storage? I'm specifically thinking about Break Free Collector. It's supposed to protect for up to five years and exceeds military spec for rust and corrosion protection.

[Rob M.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

this is the cast iron color I use:

Rustoleum:

http://www.grainger.com/product/RUST-OLEUM-Engine-Enamel-4YKZ3

VHT:

http://www.speco.com.au/vht_engine.html

[Richard K.]

Re: Anti-Rust products vs Clear Coat on Natural Finish Parts - Pros/Cons

Based on the above discussion, I think I'm leaning now towards the clear coat for protection.

For those who've used clear coat can somone recommend a product that they've used? I went to a couple of auto stores and didn't find anything that was specifically labeled as satin or matte clear finish.

Thanks again for all your input.

Roger

I've used Krylon Clear Matte Finish which can be found in art supply stores, and possibly craft supply stores.