Should I paint or clear my new parts?

[vanceman]

I recently purchased all new balljoints, tierod ends, and control shafts. My question is, I really like the look of cast iron, should I paint my new parts with cast iron engine paint or clear them. I just don't want them to rust in the future. What is my best option?

[gearys 5600]

I have had better luck using cast blast paint. It comes in a spray can and looks just like cast iron.

[LockDoc]

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I think I would paint them with the cast block paint. Clear doesn't seem to last too long on that kind of stuff...

My 2¢ worth

LockDoc

[sameyrasmea72]

I say paint em. Some parts have a different tint if left natural and would show more if cleared.

[turp mcspray]

If you clear over the bare metal, they WILL turn brown under the clear.

[vanceman]

Looks like I will be painting them. What is the best cleaner for these parts? Brake parts cleaner? Also do you think I should put these parts in an oven and heat them after paint?

[McClinton527]

dont put them in the oven simple room temp air dry will be totally sufficient. I highly recommend cast blast or (rebuilders cast finish) by plasticoat. clean em with brake cleaner or wax and grease remover and a little scotch bright theyll turn out great

[1949gmc]

To clean them, use some kind of a paint prep solvent... Eastwood's Pre Cleaner or Napa's 6383 Kleanz Easy Surface Cleaner. I wouldn't use brake cleaner. And don't put the parts in an oven! You'll melt all the grease out of the ball joints and tie rods and make a mess.

Wipe em down, shoot em with a rattle can, install, enjoy.

[specialtyretail]

Aeresol brake cleaner does a good job of cleaning,,,, but,,, it just dries to quickly. It usually dries before it removes anything, meaning you have to keep spraying it on.

[Gobbles]

I used the POR15 Degreaser, Marine Clean. It worked like a dream.