Project Summary Log

[EM-0785]

Rear - Sway Bar/Suspension/Frame Refresh

I had to remove the rear sway bar to remove the driveshaft on last project. So, decided to install new sway bar end links with firmer rubber bushings. Looked to also replace the two mid-bar mounting brackets and bushings. Yet those existing brackets were purpose bent with bolts into variable surface angles. When I bent the new mounts (vice, heat, pliers) the same, the new harder rubber style bushings weren’t as compliant to fit, even with some sanding. So, re-used the existing for now there and will consider in the future revising the mounting/location and bushings with a preferred single plane mount. May require some light fab. Cleaned and removed rust from the sway bar and re-coated.

The u-bolt brackets for the end link mounting, and rear suspension parts, were fairly rusty and very rough looking. I removed the rust/corrosion and sealed/re-coated, to both protect and visually enhance. Prep included various sandings, rust removal solution, detergent/water wash, deglosser, etc. Primed and painting, with multiple coats, allowing up to a week dry time between coats to help ensure drying/hardening, curing. The thermostat controlled electric ceiling heat panels helped keep the garage warm enough for adequate drying. I also plan to work the IRS over in the future, that will provide the opportunity to refresh/update all of those remaining parts as well later. At that point with parts removed will likely do powder coating or such.

The rear frame didn’t present any rust, but the exposed portions were scratched/roughed up some, with the red base/primer coat showing in many areas. So I cleaned, deglossed, and recoated those frame sections as well. I used Rustoleum red oxide metal primer and gloss black oil based protective enamel paint. Applied with foam brushes, it cured to a very smooth finish. If I ever do a body off full frame refresh, I’d go with specialty automotive frame finishing products (have a couple in mind). For now, I considered POR and other common products. I’ve had positive experiences on clean-up/touch-up type projects in the past, with this same oxide/enamel combo, so went with it again. These are not engine temp paints, so would go with higher temp coatings in higher temp areas.

All in all, a much cleaner appearance, better protected parts, and as I started, an improved sway bar end link function!



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More to come soon...