[dataway]

I just Zinc Phosphated a couple of suspension parts. I think it turned out pretty nice. Very close to a natural appearance.. actually lighter than what it appears in the photos. Quite obviously not painted, I can't bring myself to paint bare steel to look like bare steel. After the stuff cools and drys it has that great ....well... zinc phosphated-bare metal look, like so many of the OEM parts came from the factory.
I also have some Manganese phospate to try out. It's supposed to be much closer to black.
For comparrison, one part blasted and power brushed then freshly phosphated, the other blasted and power brushed. Takes about 30 mins submerged in 190 degree solution.
JohnnyB

[rustedgoat]

As far as rust protection, do the DIY at home kits last, or is it better to have it commercially done? I painted mine and they just don't look right.

[indymanjoe]

looks good.did you get a kit to do this?been wanting to experiment myself..

[69Customs]

Looks good!!

You get best results with the heated stuff than the cold methods. I was told by a plating company that the darker, more dull the coating looks the heavier the coating is on it. You may want to clear over it to keep from degrading.

How did you heat it? Pan over a single burner or did you use the wife's stove?

[dataway]

I think rust protection is questionable .... better than bare metal, better again if it's kept oiled, but it's not going to protect against any northeast winter driving

I used the phosphate concentrate you can get in bottles online. Mixed 4oz to the gallon, heated to 190 degrees in a stainless pan on a two burner electric hotplate (barely up to the task). I didn't notice any fumes except steam off hot water.

After about 30 mins, when the fizzing stops, pull it out, soak it in WD40, wipe off, repeat three times or more. Don't be afraid to wipe vigourously, the coating is not going to come off. The instructions cover these bases. I used the stuff from Palmetto Enterprises.

Don't hesistate to try this yourself, easier that I thought, not messy. I can't speak to the durability yet ....but it sure looks and "feels" right in your hand. Looks very, very similar to the dark Zinc phosphate coatings I've seen on OEM parts of all kinds from cars, hardware, industrial stuff etc. I guess ideally it looks similar because it's the same thing. I've never used the cold method, but the hot method really is not much more complex that heating water.
JohnnyB

[69Customs]

Thanks for the info.