Soft Top Frame Restoration

[bikermike]

I am seeking advice on restoring a soft top frame. I'd like to remove the oxidation / light rust and put a nice finish on it, either to have it look original stock or black to match the top.

I have access to a blast cabinet, if needed. Would that be a way to go? I assume I should protect the pins somehow?

As for finish, what was it originally, and what is the preferred approach for obtaining it and protecting it?

Pics of completed frames are welcome. Thanks.

[notoptoy]

I did mine along time ago, but I think I just knocked the surface rust off with sandpaper and rust-oleum'd it with a rattle can in black. I think I even used a gloss black. I think it looks good, but then I never really see it as it is either down or off all the time. Originally it is just a dull metal finish - galvanized maybe?? I don't remember well as it has been a long time. the header is different, and had a bit more pitted rust than the frame did, it wasn't rusted through but was pitted enough to notice. Again, I only sanded and painted - aftet the fact, I probably should have used POR15 on the header.

[zippy67roadster]

My 67's was a matte silver so that is what I repainted it. I was luck and mine wasn't rusted so it was easy to just sand lightly and respray. If yours is rusty I would suggest blasting it and then using a good etching primer. The final color is up to you. I have seen some black to match the top, silver and even the body color of the car.

[spl310]

I believe that they were originally zinc plated. Silver works fine. Black makes it disappear which is cool too.

[dbrick]

I found that whatever you paint it with will transfer/rub off onto the cloth inside on the top. If it's in the budget, powdercoat would be cool.

Mike PM me, I have a top frame the PO took apart and painted, but he lost half the bushings and hardware. Might save you some work. Bows, IIRC look nice. How is your front bow, any dent or cracking at the center?

[notoptoy]

I found that whatever you paint it with will transfer/rub off onto the cloth inside on the top. If it's in the budget, powdercoat would be cool.

Mike PM me, I have a top frame the PO took apart and painted, but he lost half the bushings and hardware. Might save you some work. Bows, IIRC look nice. How is your front bow, any dent or cracking at the center?

I have not had this problem, but again, my top is never up!

[pebbles]

This may sound insane but I saw a utube of an Aussie soaking metal in a Molasses and water mix. Removed rust but not paint. May be worth it to look into a non caustic dip.
A blast media may get into the pivots and make things a little crunchy.

A black satin powder coat sounds nice too. Im not sure if it will adhere to red scotch brite scuffed zinc.
I agree with Brisco on the paint transfer. (black wouldnt show like silver).

[23yrRebuild]

I have given some thought to barrel nickel plating my soft top frame and associated hardware, cheaper than chrome, more durable than paint, and somewhat shiny.........

[fj20spl311]

IIRC, Les at Classic Datsun Motorsports was Zinc plating them for his restoration projects...They looked like new...No Transfer problem.

[pebbles]

Zippy67 has mentioned KBS, good reviews and comes as a system, multiple color choices as well, self leveling, brush application. (could probably spray too). I'm liking the galvanized.
http://www.kbs-coatings.com/system-sampler.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[68DSU]

This may sound insane but I saw a utube of an Aussie soaking metal in a Molasses and water mix. Removed rust but not paint. May be worth it to look into a non caustic dip.
A blast media may get into the pivots and make things a little crunchy.

A black satin powder coat sounds nice too. Im not sure if it will adhere to red scotch brite scuffed zinc.
I agree with Brisco on the paint transfer. (black wouldnt show like silver).

Vinegar works too. Any mildly acidic liquid does the trick. Be careful with the liquid though, the acid metal combo will stain wood. An old Craftsman era woodworking dye is to put old steel wool in vinegar for a couple of days and use it to stain oak a nice deep black color.
Anyway, it disolves the outer layer of rust/metal.

[spl310]

Uh oh, looks like we may end up with a discussion of Aqua Fortis!

[Bigtaku]

Any new thoughts on this thread? I have a tan soft top and my frame is in good condition but not perfect. Just a few spots that need some love. I'm leaning toward the vinegar treatment.