(UPDATE) Answer: Powder Coat the T-Bar

Hey All,
After going through all the Forums being horrified about buying an aftermarket T-bars not fitting.

(Totally broke my heart about the Stainless steel not fitting)

I scored this like new 91 Camero RS OEM in great condition.

1982-1992 Z28 Camaro Firebird Trans Am T-Top Center Bar Rust Free OEM | eBay <--- scroll down 5 inches

My Question is I never want to do this again. Can I galvaniez it? Zinc Coat it? Dry Coat it? To make it Rustproof ?

You see my 1986 T- Bar was factory coated all around the rust it looks great! I'm like how the Fluck did this rust in all these places full coated?

What's your Top Ideas for anti-rust prevention.

Thanks for your input. Here She is below.

Not drive the car in the rain and if you do a full wash, pull the tops of and used compressed air to dry it off after either of the two! LOL
Seriously, I have the same question, I scored a nice/rust free piece myself. It's already painted (semi-gloss) and ready to go on once the car is painted.
I figured that I would just adhere to the first sentence above.
Maybe some undercoating? or Bedliner? - not pretty but may stop the rust worms?

It's the nature of how they're made. Get a good coat of paint on it, then make a point to dry it well when you wash/get caught in the rain. Wiping it down with a rag and WD-40 once or twice a year wouldn't hurt either.

I wonder if sanding it and then spraying with some modern day epoxy or etching primer then using 2K automotive paint (not the rattle can crud but have a body shop treat and paint it) can help prolong the life / prevent rusting?


The 80s didnt have the best coatings / paints and what not.

Not drive the car in the rain LOL I live in Florida

Thank you @RedLeader289

yeah, I saw your location ExtrafitKid, when I replied to the post. Rain in Florida in the afternoons' is inevitable!

Thats too is what I'm trying to figure out as well 1989Karr.

This is going to be One and Done

Uggh I know ha ha ha

OK I found a great Idea / Answer From a 74 year Old Metal Fabricator He said Powder Coat it like I'm going to Do on my Rims!
I have done it look great make sure they sand blast all dirt and Rust before