I am at present building a rolling chassis for a buggy project. I am wondering what I should do with all the suspension/brake/axel components etc. I would like to paint them with a product such as POR15, but I understand I would have to take them back to bare metal. What is the best method for doing this? If I sand or bead blast will this method destroy machined surfaces? Are there any chemical methods for bare metal prep? Can anybody give me some sound advice?

Hi sdat,
Have you thought about getting all the parts powder coated?

Powder coating will be durable and easy (ie. don't have to worry about doing it yourself), but obviously cost weighs into the debate. However for the high cost of POR15, the difference may not be that great when you add in what your time is worth.

For a cheap, good alternative you can use something like gloss (or satin) killrust which you wouldn't have to take the parts back to bare metal for. Just make sure the surface is stable (not flaking etc) and it will last a long long time.

Alan