Wheeler's Rock Slider - raw metal rust protection?

[benjamin247]

Today is the last day for the sale at Wheeler's and I ordered the following sliders:
Weld-On Rock Sliders

It says that it is raw metal and lightly oiled to prevent rusting. Are most people with sliders keeping it as raw metal? Do I prevent rusting (if kept as raw metal) by continuing to apply light oil?

 

[Dieselchessy]

They tell you about the oil so you aren’t surprised when you clean and prep them for paint.

You should prime and paint, or powder coat. Epoxy primer and paint would be good.

 

[TonyB66]

I'd first use some rubbing alcohol to remove the oil. I used an etching primer next, this from THD is reasonable.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Rust-Ol...58700004949361078-92700042960207113&gclsrc=ds

Then paint of choice...

Edit/Add: If you do this before the welding, and likely so, either use a weld-through primer on the feet, or leave bare. Then paint that portion after welded...

Seymour 16-845 Primer, Spray Weld Through - Spray Paints - Amazon.com

 

[aontkos]

The POR15 Top Coat in a spray can is good stuff. It’s expensive, but way easier to apply than the stuff in a can.

It actually HARDENS into a tough coating unlike spray paint.

 

[benjamin247]

Is paint before welding recommended or will painting first decrease the quality of the weld?

Also, how many cans would it take to spray a pair of sliders?

 

[00Sebby]

Is paint before welding recommended or will painting first decrease the quality of the weld?

Clean everything. Paint up to the area you're going to weld. Weld. Then clean and paint the welded areas. If you paint everything, your welder will likely blow through the paint without issue but it could make the weld sloppier due to impurities.

 

[MStudt]

Nothing removes the oil from P&O tubing better than lacquer thinner. Put some on a rag, wipe off the oil, and the lacquer will dry on it's on.

I'm also a fan of brush on primer/paint for sliders since it coats a lot better. Get a good oil based primer, and oil based paint. I would prime/paint as much as you can before they're welded on, and the prime/paint the welded area after you have them installed. I would avoid powder coating them as well since touch up is a bit more difficult.

Mike

 

[truc.karl]

Painting is the way to go. It is easier to maintain and touch up if needed.

 

[shadow247]

Rustoleum BBQ Paint is the strongest paint I have found. I use it everywhere and it holds up for years. You don't have to get it hot to make it strong, that's just required when using for exhaust.