Painting Suspension Springs

antodeco

Hi All,

As the title suggests, is it possible to paint them? (using a brake caliper paint for example).

The reason I ask, I have matt silver coils at the moment, which can be seen from the side of the car. I think a different colour might make it look a little cleaner.

Thanks for any suggestions.

mike65

Coils er coil, the paint won't last I'm sure.

Mike.

Anan1

I'm sure there is a way, as some springs come painted from the factory. It probably involves special paint and heat, though. If I were the OP i'd just stop looking at them.;)

Tipsy Mac

Yes as Anan1 said I think powder coated paint would do it, the metal of the springs is lightly heated and then put into powder which kind of melts onto the metal to give a plasticy gloss look. Not sure how they would perform with the flexing of the springs but the paint wouldn't crack anyway.

maidhc

Ordinary paint is hardly so brittle that it would crack and fall off the springs?

Personally I'd just drive the car. 1/2 a mile should be sufficient to give you brown springs.

Anan1

maidhc wrote:

Ordinary paint is hardly so brittle that it would crack and fall off the springs?

I'd say it might be. That said, painting car springs is hardly my area of special expertise.

antodeco

hmm, thats why i was thinking of using brake caliper paint, or even hammerite flexi!! Might just wrap them in wrapping paper!

crosstownk

Make sure that there are no paint dabs on them already. VW group cars use paint dabs as identifiers for spare parts. I don't know if this applies to other makes and models..............

Jadis

Hey I was wondering about this myself just now. Found this board on google. Anyway, I guess it wouldnt hurt to try and rough up the surface of the springs a bit just with some 200 grit sandpaper (maybe too harsh?) and then spray them down. Worst thing that happens is the paint falls off and you start over!

Happy st.pattys haha

Wibbs

Sad that I am I actually did this once. AFAIR I used hammerrite smooth. Cleaned them up and keyed the surface with a bit of wet and dry sandpaper. It worked fine. Didn't flake. Maybe a better place to ask would be in the classic car forum. They do this kinda thing all the time.