I'm looking to paint the cross bar between the A Arms. (Technical name?) I'm wondering what kind of paint I should use that will last other than power coat. Im talking spray paint. Engine block paint from Walmart? Here's what I'm talking about and what I want.

 

I guess that would be a front crossmember that ties your lower control arms to the rest of the frame. I would powdercoat that since it will see dust, rain, debris, etc.

 

Powder coat isn't an option. Im looking for something simple and in a spray can. Anyone painted their frame or suspension parts?

 

I painted mine with duplicolor universal ford black from autozone... (Check the book in the paint section for the paint number). I sanded the rust off of any welds, used a rust reforming primer and then sprayed away... I also sprayed my coils, buckets, upper A Arms, frame rails, rear axle, leafs and did the same to any rusty colored areas on the underside of the cab.. Its holding up well and I did it about 9 months ago... I used 2 cans and did 2 cured coats.

 

Engine paint. Its the thickest in aerosol.

 

If you want a spray then I would look at a sprayable bedliner for durability. Stay away from Dupicolor's BedArmor. I used the brushing version on my truck and it is horrible. Anyhow, remember that prep is the key and whatever coating you choose should last if you prepare it properly and use a quality product.

 

How would I prep that? Just degreaser and scrub it well?

 

Degrease it, hit it with a wire brush to knock off any big rust spots, scuff it with some gritty sand paper, wipe it clean with a rag and parts cleaner, and then hit it with either Rustoleum Rust Stop Enamel or POR15. I've used both products, both work well and last a very long time.

 

I would first use a light sprayable liquid degreaser, let it sit and then rinse it off thoroughly. Then I would use a gel degreaser on any heavily contaminated areas and again rinse it off thoroughly. Then I would mask off all critical areas and gently sandblast the area to be painted, or simply take a random orbit sander with something like 120 and to break the surface. Finally take compressed air and blow off all the dust from underlying areas and you're ready to go. Prep is the key, don't rush it and don't skip it.

 

I can't comment on the Rustoleum but I know that POR is an awesome product.