Topic: Is there any problem with Powder Coating shock springs?

[Kong]

I'm building the bike to a color theme, and I'd like to keep many of the suspension parts the same color as the frame, which are the parts which will be power coated.  I am concerned that the heating to melt the powder may effect spring performance, I am also concerned about the longevity of the coating on a part that is constantly flexing.  Anyone knowledgable on the use of power coating on possibly heat sensitive parts, particularly springs in this case but overall heat sensitive parts too.

[Gordon]

If you can find the right color you could do a rubberized coating that you can get at the hardware store that's made for coating tool handles.  They sell it in the dipping can and in spray can form. 

[KingCustomCycles.com]

Powder coat is more flexible than paint or chrome.  As far as the heating changing the spring characteristics, it takes much more than 350 F to do that.  Depending on the steel alloy it is more like 1600 degrees.  I can consult some engineering data if need be but the heat margin is very wide between what it takes to cure the powder and what it takes to "soften" the steel. 

[fly944]

Interested in doing the same. How do you disassemble rear shocks?

[MRieck]

I have had springs powdercoated over the years....no problems at all.

[Kong]

Thank you all for your responses.  KingCustom, I appreciate the offer to look up the information but apparently my concerns were unwarranted - good!

Fly, although I haven't bought my shocks yet with most stock style shocks there are retainers at the top that work similar to engine valve retainers; so you compress the spring, remove the retainers, then the "top-hat" over the spring can be removed along with the spring.  As with all strong springs be very very careful when you compress them.  Strong springs can be extremely dangerous.

[jtb]

Powder coated mine 5 years ago.  been great.