Suspension Refurbishment

[RugbyBodders]

Hi all,

currently having some work undertaken on my car, mainly the replacement of the underside rubber (CV Joint gatter, anti-roll bar bushes, suspendion arm bushes).

Whilst most of the suspension components are off the car, I was thinking about having these media blasted and then refinished.

im trying to keep the car as original as possible (1971), and was looking for a bit of guidance on what the correct colour code and finish is!

Also, does anyone have any recommendations for people to undertake this kind of work? Im in Sussex, so someone local would be ideal, but happy to travel for the right specialist.

 

[KIRK]

All small components: nuts bolts, washers and ARB drop links should be media blasted and then yellow passivated. The larger components such as brake disk shields, ARBs, skid plates, front A arms, rear trailing arms etc should also be media blasted and either properly painted with etch primer and then a single stage top coat or powder coated. If powder coated make sure the powder coater puts a good layer of powder on the parts as a thin layer will peel off very quickly. There is no specific colour code. Note that brake disk shields and rear spring plates are yellow passivated and then finished in black. The finish is a silk black throughout. Front suspension legs and rear dampers are colour specific dependent on the manufacturer of these components.
I used people in the Midlands for my component restoration. Separated into media blasters, passivaters, painters and powder coaters. Of course you can hand the components over to an early Porsche specialist who will organise all of the above for you.

It is worthwhile joining DDK which is a UK internet group for air cooled cars. A great source of information, advice and spare parts.

 

[1porscheST]

I used Autoblast in Dial post West Sussex to powder coat all my Black suspension parts on my 70 car.

 

[RugbyBodders]

Thank you for the swift replies.

is there no clear consensus on whether painted or powder coated finish is the original spec?

I’d be concerned that if the powder coating gets clipped, it can allow water in behind the coating. It’s also near in possible to repair in that instance. Also, if we specify powder coating for external steel components externally, we typically request them galvanised to stop any blistering at a later date.

With that in mind, I’m leaning towards the painted finish, unless there is a compelling reason otherwise.