Mud-club

Vehicle & Technical => Defender => Topic started by: per_ardua on July 08, 2007, 23:17:32

Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: per_ardua on July 08, 2007, 23:17:32: I have a galvanised chassis and was about to hammerite repaint the suspension bits,

trailing arms, panhard rods, radius arms, a frame etc.

My question is, can these items be Galvanised?

I have never seen any before, zinc plated yes, but not galvanised, is this because of possible distortion in the process.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated

thank you

Per Ardua
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: Boddle on July 09, 2007, 09:23:32: I think the best way to know for certain is talk to some-one who galvanizing for living but I would not have thought you would have much distortion however I know it does effect heat treatments which could have be applied to bush mounting areas(local harding).
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: clbarclay on July 09, 2007, 09:39:23: Just use some quality paint like POR-15 Rust Preventative Paint.
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: per_ardua on July 10, 2007, 11:41:38: thanks for your help guys
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: v8seriesone on July 10, 2007, 13:01:11: probably NOT a good idea as heat treated high carbon steel can suffer from embrittlement after galvanising, especially following repeated vibration / stress

Dom.
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: per_ardua on July 12, 2007, 22:04:39: Cheers Dom,
Good point , well presented.

hammerite it is then. now just a few dry days....
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: hairyasswelder on July 13, 2007, 22:25:55: Even if the Galv was ok to use it would be a PITA to ream the holes for the bushes etc
Was thining of having mine powder coated but the heat issue remains :?

May have them blasted and wet spray with a zinc based paint

Steve
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: clbarclay on July 13, 2007, 23:22:14: Quote from: "hairyasswelder"
Even if the Galv was ok to use it would be a PITA to ream the holes for the bushes etc
Was thining of having mine powder coated but the heat issue remains :?

May have them blasted and wet spray with a zinc based paint

Steve

Powder coating still involves heat, but its only up to 230 degrees C, which is half the temperature of the zinc bath for galvanising.

One problem with powder coating is if its damaged (worn away by bushe movement) then moister can get in and start lifting the rest of the powder coating.
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: tonycougar on July 14, 2007, 22:16:18: I saw a product advertised in LRO called Zinga paint. Its like a cold glavanisation paint.
I bought some so that should I ever scratch my nice Galv chassis I can at least put some of that on to protect it
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: Range Rover Blues on July 15, 2007, 01:58:16: One of the limiting factors in galvanising is any hollow parts make it difficult, can't remeber the exact reason.
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: v8seriesone on July 15, 2007, 16:52:21: Quote from: "Range Rover Blues"
One of the limiting factors in galvanising is any hollow parts make it difficult, can't remeber the exact reason.

the parts are dipped in molten zinc at around 450-500 degrees C.

any CLOSED air space (with no breather holes) will rapidly heat up and explode, showering everything and everybody with molten metal. (generally seen as antisocial and frowned upon)

any hollow space with breather holes top and bottom will allow the air out and the zinc in (and then out again) - this is how chassis are galvanised safely.

depending on the distribution of breather holes, the liquid zinc may not reach all areas in which case you will get unprotected patches. The galvanising company will be able to advise on this.

Dom.
Title: galvanising the suspension components?
Post by: Range Rover Blues on July 15, 2007, 18:34:30: Yeah that would be it.