Bonnet Springs and Hinges

[Ken's 57]

Hi everyone - I'm currently rebuilding my grey motor and tidying up the engine bay. The bonnet springs had rust on them so I've had them grit blasted and then intended to paint them. I notice on an earlier thread that they were originally "oil blacked". Not sure what this means or how to do it. I'd like to keep it looking original but if I have to paint them can anyone advise which paint to use and how best to paint springs? I've also found a cad plater in Sydney who can re-do the hinges but he thinks they would have been plated with zinc and not cad, as stated on the earlier post. Cad is correct isn't it?

Cheers.... Ken

[graham_fuller]

Hi Ken,
Yes the hinges were Cad plated originally. As for the springs they may have been oil dipped, but I think most people would agree they were just black enamel. Any reasonable spray can should do the trick.
cheers,
Graham

[mcl1959]

Most springs are oil blacked because the paint breaks down when stretched. The process is heat to dull red and dip in oil.
Personally I would just clean up and spray Matt black as Graham has said.

Ken

[Ken's 57]

Thanks Graham and Ken. I think I'll paint. Sounds easier and should still look OK.