Lower Control Arms - Finish

[70challengersix]

What is being used for finish to reproduce the "orange/brown" finish on the lower control arms?  I understand that at the factory they used "cosmoline" over bare steel to protect the part.  Is there any kind of paint out there that can reproduce that look?

[Street_Challenged73]

Maybe one of the professional restorers/bodymen may be able to answer this question.  I'd try posting this in the bodywork/paint section of the site and see what you get.   I know I've seen people respray them in a zinc phosphate finish followed by whatever factory paint daubs were stenciled onto templates prior to the restoration.  I believe it is Farmboy70 who does phenomenal quality on every restoration he takes on.  Maybe send him a PM to see what he used on his most recent '74 'Cuda restoration.  Good luck!

[Topcat]

I recall reading a thread about this on Moparts 4-5 months ago.

The conclusion was that some members were getting an aerosol spray can that closely resembles the color hue of the cosmoline. I'm thinking it might've been Krylon they mentioned. They also said that cosmoline was sticky stuff and tends to pick up dust then doesn't look so good after a while. Thus the reason why the rattle can approach.

I'd like to know more on this too. I did a search there but couldn't find the thread.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cosmoline-Resoration-Spray-Parts-Protectant-MoPar_W0QQitemZ370058272680QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370058272680&

[Topcat]

Look at this:

http://www.uscartool.com/frontend/index.html

[bordin34]

I think it was something like battery terminal protector spray or paint or something like that.

[Robert1050]

I did a quick search & found the thread - lot's of good info in that thread.


http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=3872899&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

[js27]

Back in the late 90's they didn't have any thing specific so I had to make do. I used this method. First sandblast-then spray Brandon's Stainless Steel paint-then Eastwood anti-rust spray. This gives you almost spot on color . The rust spray never really dries just like the original cosmoline but if you want to avoid getting all the dirt built up I sealed the whole thing with a flat clear spray.
This is the same method I used on my 67 GTX bumber jack restoration.
Worked for me.
JS27

[BIGSHCLUNK]

WE get our cosmoline from Brock Supply. It's kind of a spray wax/grease that dries on. Been using it for 25 years already... 

[MrMopar440]

js27 - Very nice!  Wish the bottom of mine looked that good. Makes me regret not spending more time on it.

[brian k]

JS27,

I agree.  Very nice detailing on your front suspension.  What are those red, yellow, and white marks on the K frame?

[Topcat]

I did a quick search & found the thread - lot's of good info in that thread.


http://board.moparts.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=3872899&page=0&fpart=1&vc=1

 I couldn't find it. I put in Cosmoline. Needed to spell Cosmolene.

[js27]

Those are the paint colors I found when I cleaned everything. The white circle in the center I never saw before and I sent photo's to Roger Gibson and Galen and neither one has every saw that mark before. Roger told me that if it was on there I should put it back so I did. Maybe some assembly line worker was boared one day and started to play--who knows. The rest of the colors where also present. I did the best I could replicating them by taking a measurment from the marks that remained and try to figure the shape and size from there. Every mopar is unique so I never copy marks that I see on other peoples cars because they may not be correct for my car. I never saw any of these marks before I spent a couple hours of scrubbing with just plain hot soap and water with a medium brissle brush. Alot of info is lost when people just start sandblasting. I know --I did that on my first resto.
JS27