seat track restoration
 

can i restore and repaint my seat tracks for my truck seats? i have heard that you cant paint them cause it will mess them up or something. any tips or tricks to it. i dont want to put some nasty looking seat traks in my truck. they are factory truck bucket seat tracks.

Re: seat track restoration
 

I think pretty much everyone restores and paints them. I soaked mine in mineral spirits over night, blasted them with hot water, then flashdried them with compressed air. Steel wool and sandpaper to get the surface rust off, then Rustoleom.

Just use one coat of paint and lubricate (minimally) with white lithium or graphite grease.

Re: seat track restoration
 

Imo, a great way to go is professionally blast and Cerakote, probably cold processed. Its not thick and does really great for moving parts, lubricants, and it's especially durable. All my hinges were done this way.

Re: seat track restoration
 

i think i will restore them cause everything else on the inside will be done so i dont want them to be an eye sore

Re: seat track restoration
 

Be careful when working with them, metal sliding thingies that are spring loaded can be hazardous for your fingers.

Re: seat track restoration
 

Clean, paint, and use them. Not rocket science and if anyone sticks their head under there and says something crack their noggin.

Re: seat track restoration
 

You sure can. I used to restore the bench seats, and I restored all the tracks.
I had a rectangular plastic flower container. One that was long enough and deep enough for the tracks to be fully submerged in EvapoRust. They would soak overnight. Then I would take them to the sink, and with a toothbrush I would rinse them off. Then immediately blow them completely dry with an air nozzle with the air compressor. Paint with VHT Epoxy. After the pint fully dried, then sprayed gel WD40 on all the bearings, rollers and springs.

Re: seat track restoration
 

A few more before and after. Last 3 pics are a 68 GTO tracks. These were totally siezed up. Couldn’t even get them to budge hitting them with a mallet. Once I was done with them they were sliding like new again.
See video https://youtu.be/o_IUEndYxuE?si=Ny5U_2FXyG8bV3r9

Re: seat track restoration
 

Of a complete restoration, I was lucky enough my door latches and bench seat tracks didn't need anything more than clean and lubricate. Initially thought about refinishing them, much later determined why would I. And what howzzzit said:lol:

Image before restoration. A northern Nv. garage is real kind to these vehicles.

Re: seat track restoration
 

I used Birchwood Casey gun blueing on my seat frames and their holding up pretty good.

Re: seat track restoration
 

this is some awesome information