My steel driveshaft is very rusty. Has anyone sanded and painted theirs? I know there is a potential for balance issues. I wouldn't think that the paint would be that much thicker in one place verse another. But I would like some recommendations on what can be done?

thanks,
phil

 

paint it if you want it shouldn't effect the balance.

 

You could never put enough paint on to add enough weight to change the balance.

 

Over the years I've blasted, primed, and painted several and never had a problem. If you blast it use about 60 psi at the gun with the trigger depressed (free flowing air). Use regular blasting sand.

Another good option is to use a coarse wire wheel in an angle grinder or drill. This will take longer, but you can prep well like this.

The secret to making the paint stick and keeping it from rusting again is to get all the rust off. Blasting is best because it gets into every nook and cranny. A wire wheel comes close, but will take a lot longer. Another option would be to strip as much as you can and then use a rust converter like POR15, Naval Jelly, etc. This will treat the rust at a chemical level, and allow the primer and paint to stick.

 

thanks much for the tips.