In a couple of weeks the axle is coming off for blasting, zinc primer, powder coat finally clear coat. Will do fuel tank straps at same time. Disks and stub axles were off last week and all new bolts ordered, thats when the axle decision happened. I have ordered a load of bolts for the job, once removed I will see what else is required. My question is, do people enlarge the bush holes on axle to allow for additional coating thickness to facilitate the insertion of new polybushes? if so, what size and how? I feel it is risky to do that as bush may be sloppy, but best to ask now than look stooopid later!!! Car runs like a dream, now the brakes work, they even lock up... had guff brakes too long!! I have the time to iron out the clunks and bangs coming from underneath. Thanks.
Clear coat over powder coat? I’ve not seen that before. When we painted (by hand) the rear beam we didn’t paint inside the bush holes and IIRC it was bare metal in there. Powder coat is thick and may well make it a bit tight for the bush. Putting the rubber bushes in is hard enough as it is. However, I think poly bushes go in a little easier than the rubber ones but I’m sure someone who has used them will chime in.
Ask the coater to mask the surface where the bush goes in Or use a wire wheel on drill to take it to metal But as Phil says poly are far less of a tight fit so you should be ok just to slot those straight in. I had my mk1 rear bear done and the poly bushes went in without a hint of fuss so would guess mk2 same
Many thanks for your prompt replies. I enquired at three small companies, the two that replied both offered the same process including clear coat, perhaps this is just the latest way to do things? I previously had my garden gate powder coated and happy with the rust free condition ten years later, but the coating is dull which is OK, perhaps clearcoat is the shine?
Are you going to put poly bushes in Garry or standard rubber ones? @everyone else, whats the opinions on either style of bush?
I've had two rear beams powder coated one had poly bushes fitted the other standard bushes, I just had the powder coaters mask of the holes.
On the which bushes question, I fitted powerflex purple to my mk1 purely because of ease of fitting just push in instead of arsing about with a press or homemade contraption I noticed zero difference in feel
Standard are cheapest and suit my road use I guess, I'm still on the fence to be honest. Appreciate all the advice and info. How I have been thinking is, doing front or back individually means costs rise, if I buy the whole car poly bush kit then costs reduce a bit, then there is that motivation to dress the front like the back as I have all the bushes ready, get all front subframe/wishbone etc all blasted and coated also. Couple of patches are required to weld below air filter box and a small bulkhead patch. Then paint engine bay... one fine day.
May I recommend that the powder coated parts are given a final finish of Bilt Hamber Dynax UC? It’s easy to apply and goes a long way. Your nice parts will rust eventually otherwise. The Dynax improves the life of the finish and is transparent if applied correctly
Leave the old bushes in for when it is being powdercoated. When you get it back cut around with the edge with a stanley blade, and then swap the bushes for the new ones. I painted my rear subframe with POR15, and had my front subframe powder coated. The rear subframe is holding up much better. Just some food for thought.
I think I would rather paint the rear beam because it has flex and twist in the design, and I don't think powder coat is that durable to cope with that element? might be wrong though
I've poweder coated the complete axles incl rear axle and it's still in good shape. I have to say the car is always inside, except when driving on the track obviously
Racing?: poly. Otherwise you’ll regret everything BeCaUsE tHeYrE eAsIeR tO fIt. Just put standard back in and be done with it. People who fit poly because they can’t press in a bush are retarded. Disclaimer, I haven’t read the thread
Agree with Sam (not on the retarded bit ) if you fit poly bushes for street use you may well regret it. I know quite a few people who have fitted poly bushes and then swapped back due to the harsh ride (and extra noise).
I have no problems with the Powerflex Purple bushes, perfectly usable on the road imho. May be a light sanding before you fit them. Make sure you remove all the old bush including the metal shell pressed into the beam!.
Thanks all for the info. I booked the powdercoat job so Ido not want to waste their time. It should give me a few days on axle stands to paint and make nice some minor rust underneath. I will just buy the standard bushes as per many suggestions and they are cheap (i'm unemployed also). Thanks.
My stub axle bolts need replacing, when I removed them today I found some cracked washers. I need to find some of these concave shaped washers. Any ebay links etc or will this be VW parts? any help appreciated. They are circled in red on the below diagram from Heritage Parts;
Before you buy nuts and bolts from Heritage check out other suppliers such as Westfield Fasteners. As long as you know the size you will be able to get them cheaper.