What paint should I use on the clutch/brake pedals?

[robroy]

Hi!

Recently I removed my clutch and brake pedals (and the support piece) to have Mustang Steve replace the bushings with ball bearings, which turned out great.

Now I'm interested in refinishing the support piece (under dash) and the pedals themselves. I've already sandblasted all the parts so they're immaculate and ready for paint.

What paint should I use on these parts for a factory fresh appearance? I'll be spraying with an HVLP gun.

Also, I was thinking of putting down an initial coat of Rust Bullet to help protect the metal, even though I've got it pretty immaculate already by sandblasting it. Any opinions on whether or not this is a good idea?

Thanks very much!
-Robroy

[robroy]

The two paints I already have around are:

1. Rust Bullet Black Shell (very durable, high gloss)



2. Eastwood Under Hood Black (unknown durability, low-med gloss)



The Rust Bullet Black Shell seems highly durable but is so glossy! I don't think it'd look natural on the pedals.

Thanks!
-Robroy

[fitzwell]

Think i'd get some semi flat spray bomb paint & be done with it. Applied correctly to a clean surface, the spray can paint will stick just fine. Bonus...if it does manage to get nicked,or scratched, a touch-up isn't hard to do.

just my

[robroy]

Hey Fitzwell! Thanks for replying.

A rattle can would get the job done but I'm concerned that it would rub off quickly on the pedals (above the rubber pads where my shoes hit). At least that's how it's been with the rattle cans I've used in the past.

Were you thinking of the rattle cans from the hardware store or something fancier?

Thanks!
-Robroy

[Ranchero50]

I use engine paint, flat black, let it setup over night and rub it with a cloth and it'll shine correctly. Ford's misc black was just what was left over after a days painting. The chassis black in the engine bay of my '68 fairlane has metallic in it, from Ford.

Jamie

[stangconv]

Use the rust bullet....

I like shiny things....

[fitzwell]

Hey Fitzwell! Thanks for replying.

A rattle can would get the job done but I'm concerned that it would rub off quickly on the pedals (above the rubber pads where my shoes hit). At least that's how it's been with the rattle cans I've used in the past.

Were you thinking of the rattle cans from the hardware store or something fancier?

Thanks!
-Robroy

nothing fancy, just the local Napa stuff. If wear is a concern, you might want to apply several coats in the area of concern. If it is constantly getting scuffed, paint is going to wear thru, no matter what it is

[robroy]

Hi Jamie, Stangconv, and Fitzwell, thanks for the replies!

Jamie, I think you've answered the question I wasn't smart enough to ask: the paint that Ford used on these parts. It's interesting and a little surprising to know that they used whatever random black paint they happened to have a surplus of! That makes me feel justified in using whatever I want and not being as particular as I was going to be.

Stangconv, yes I'm tempted to use the Rust Bullet Black Shell on it because it is VERY tough paint! I put that on my frame and I-beams, and a few weeks later I tried scraping it off (in a well hidden spot) and had a surprisingly hard time making a scratch in it; it's the toughest paint I've seen yet. I'm just concerned that those shiny pedals wouldn't look right.

Fitzwell, the NAPA paint approach is probably a good one. With the small experience I've had so far, I have noticed that the Rust Bullet paint (with isocyanates) is far more durable than spray can paints, so I think it'll hold up longer with my feet smashing in to it every day. And now that I've got a fresh air breathing machine on the way I should be OK applying that gnarly stuff.

I'll go ahead and do a coat of Rust Bullet with a topcoat of the Under Hood Black stuff. I think it'll have the best appearance that way and be super protected. Stand by for a post in Project Updates in a few weeks.

Thanks very much for the great advice!
-Robroy

[stangconv]

Did you get my pm about the aluminum rads??

Shiny always looks good!!!

Or paint them rustbullet black for the durabilty the hit them with flat rustoleum over it. then it might not look so bad if it suffs?