Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Discuss all things Model T related.
Forum rules
If you need help logging in, or have question about how something works, use the Support forum located here Support Forum
Complete set of Forum Rules Forum Rules

Topic author
Wwbbim
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Jan 17, 2020 1:00 pm
First Name: Jace
Last Name: Jensen
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1922 Roadster
Location: Robstown

Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by Wwbbim » Sat Mar 21, 2020 11:42 pm

So I finally disassembled my front axle and have taken all the old grease off. My question is what is the be at way to remove paint on these old parts. Most aren’t very rusty, but still have the old paint on them. What tool should I go about to clean the paint off?

User avatar

ivaldes1
Posts: 913
Joined: Mon Jan 07, 2019 1:32 am
First Name: Ignacio
Last Name: Valdes
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1924 Touring
Location: Houston, Tx
MTFCA Number: 50406
Board Member Since: 2016

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by ivaldes1 » Sun Mar 22, 2020 12:50 am

Paint scraper but I would use Citri Strip paint stripper, takes awhile, and you might have to repeat application but it isn't toxic. Otherwise, the truly vile stuff Methlene chloride based stripper works and works fast but the fumes are bad, you need chemical gloves at the very least, and it is almost certainly bad for your health. -- IV

User avatar

TRDxB2
Posts: 5410
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2019 4:56 pm
First Name: Frank
Last Name: Brandi
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: Speedster (1919 w 1926)
Location: Moline IL
Board Member Since: 2018

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by TRDxB2 » Sun Mar 22, 2020 1:10 am

For some parts I just wire brush off what I can. If the remaining paint is bonded to the metal that well why take it off? It all depends on the part and desired finish. If you have some really tough spots try Kleen-Strip Aircraft Paint Remover if you can get it works on powder coat too
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger

User avatar

Humblej
Posts: 1690
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 12:23 pm
First Name: Jeff
Last Name: Humble
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1926 Canadian built coupe, 1924 TT C-cab, survivor 1924 roadster
Location: Charlevoix, Mi
MTFCA Number: 28034
Board Member Since: 2006

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by Humblej » Sun Mar 22, 2020 7:22 am

Sand blast


John kuehn
Posts: 3907
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 8:00 pm
First Name: John
Last Name: Kuehn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 19 Roadster, 21 Touring, 24 Coupe
Location: Texas
MTFCA Number: 28924

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by John kuehn » Sun Mar 22, 2020 9:56 am

Next best thing from sandblasting is degreasing with a can or two of spray degreaser. Use a water hose or pressure washer to wash it off and then scrap it if necessary to smooth down the surface for painting.
The front end doesn’t need to be prepped like a nice body paint job.
It’s up to you how far you want to go in refinishing it but if you drive your T to any extent the most important thing to do is rebush it as needed for safety.

User avatar

Steve Jelf
Posts: 6463
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 9:37 pm
First Name: Steve
Last Name: Jelf
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1923 touring and a few projects
Location: Parkerfield, Kansas
MTFCA Number: 16175
MTFCI Number: 14758
Board Member Since: 2007
Contact:

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by Steve Jelf » Sun Mar 22, 2020 11:49 am

My first choice would be Jeff's suggestion. Second, Ignacio's. When it's down to bare metal I prep with 50/50 phosphoric acid. Wet the part then wipe dry with paper towels (wear surgical gloves), then let it air dry thoroughly. On chassis parts I use rattle can Rustoleulm satin black. I think glossy paint on chassis parts looks ridiculous. After painting, do what the MTFCA axle book tells you.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring

User avatar

Rich Eagle
Posts: 6796
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2019 10:51 am
First Name: Richard
Last Name: Eagle
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1909 TR 1914 TR 1915 Rd 1920 Spdstr 1922 Coupe 1925 Tudor
Location: Idaho Falls, ID
MTFCA Number: 1219
Contact:

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by Rich Eagle » Sun Mar 22, 2020 12:54 pm

Those are all good suggestions. I have settled on wet sanding with 80 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper and Scotch-Brite pads. A wire brush can get the stuff out of the pits. I have spent many pleasant days out in the sunshine sanding and daydreaming.
Works for me.
Rich
When did I do that?

User avatar

TWrenn
Posts: 3389
Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 10:53 am
First Name: Tim
Last Name: Wrenn
* REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: '13 Touring, '26 "Overlap" Fordor
Location: Ohio
MTFCA Number: 30701
MTFCI Number: 24033
Board Member Since: 2019

Re: Front axle assembly and refurbishment

Post by TWrenn » Tue Mar 24, 2020 10:27 am

As always, I just use good old lacquer thinner. Once I used Strip-Eeeze, it worked pretty good too, but I just like
lacquer thinner. Overall it's probly cheaper too. Lots of good advice here just the same. To each his own.

Post Reply Previous topicNext topic