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Painting axles...ever done it?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by 1964_cj5, Mar 4, 2008.

  1. 1964_cj5

    1964_cj5 I'd rather be Jeepin'

    I'm trying to get my Jeep freshened up a bit for the summer and pretty much everything looks nice, except for the rust colored axles and leafs. I plan to buy new springs, since the ones I have are shot, but what can I do about the axles? Has anyone here ever attempted to paint them? If so, what is the best way to go about it? Was the original color of them black? Mine are ugly rusty brown at the moment, and a real eyesore. Anyone have any advice for me on this? :hurrican:
     
    1964_cj5, Mar 4, 2008
    #1
  2. duke54

    duke54 Member

    Power wash, degrease, por15 works good.spray or brush.
     
    duke54, Mar 4, 2008
    #2
  3. 1964_cj5

    1964_cj5 I'd rather be Jeepin'

    Do you recommend removing the axle to paint it?
     
    1964_cj5, Mar 4, 2008
    #3
  4. nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    I'd remove them since you are replacing the springs anyway. It makes it much easier to clean up and overspray isn't an issue. Plus you can get in all the cracks and crevices you wouldn't be able to if installed. I also go over the axles with a wire cup on a grinder to remove as much of the rust as possible or the paint may just flake off in a couple of months. Works quite well. Nickmil
     
    nickmil, Mar 4, 2008
    #4
  5. 1964_cj5

    1964_cj5 I'd rather be Jeepin'

    I figured that would be the best way. Thanks guys. Looks like I have a decent project to tackle now. :)
     
    1964_cj5, Mar 4, 2008
    #5
  6. 66cj5

    66cj5 Jeep with no name

    used engine paint here.
     
    66cj5, Mar 4, 2008
    #6
  7. grannyscj

    grannyscj Headed to the Yukon

    Definitely use POR-15 or Eastwood Rust Encapsilator as a base coat unless you take it down to bare metal. Your work won't last long w/o it.:v6:
     
    grannyscj, Mar 4, 2008
    #7
  8. Homebrew2

    Homebrew2 Member

    I use Rustoleum Heavily Rusted Metal Primer (red) and have over 15 yrs of service from it with no signs of peeling or flaking, even without a topcoat. Cheap and easy to find anywhere. I just use an abrasive pad to scrub the rust first.
     
    Homebrew2, Mar 4, 2008
    #8
  9. JeepTherapy

    JeepTherapy Sponsor

    I cleaned mine with wire wheel and media blasting. Then I painted with rustoleum. It has held up very well. Since doing my axles though I have started using cans of paint and brushing it on. It doesn't have to be perfect and it seems to leave a very decent durable finish. When I did the back bumper I dipped the brush in sand after loading it with paint. I wanted a rough finish on the bumper so I could stand on it.
     
    JeepTherapy, Mar 4, 2008
    #9
  10. tommy b

    tommy b Member

    Neat tip. :beer:

    tommy b
     
    tommy b, Mar 4, 2008
    #10
  11. lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    I cleaned mine with a wire wheel, then brush painted them black with Chassis black... it's a ready-to-spray product available from your body shop supply wholesaler for about $25/gal.

    Here it is about 5 years after application on the axle housing/knuckles, tie rod, etc:

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    I also painted the insides of the axle tubes, and the axle shafts themselves, with the same stuff. No more cornflake rust in the tubes or on the shafts.
     
    lynn, Mar 4, 2008
    #11
  12. bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    an hour on a wire wheel, and brake cleaner....brush on rustoleum satin black, then rattle can
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    worked for me
    Jim S.
     
    bkd, Mar 4, 2008
    #12
  13. scarecrow

    scarecrow Member

    Wire wheel, oven cleaner, engine degreaser, brake cleaner in that order. Rattle can chassis black from Eastwood
     
    scarecrow, Mar 4, 2008
    #13