Painting leaf springs

[Tommy-T]

Next thing I'm doing on my '65 Comet is re-installing the front suspension.

It has a narrowed Econoline beam axle with Poisies leaf springs.

I want to paint them to improve the appearance and to keep surface rust from happening.

So, do I...

disassemble the spring assembly and paint all the leafs separate? 

or do I paint the springs as an assembled unit?

Also, what color is most appropriate for the front leafs on a straight axle hot rod? I was thinking maybe black hammertone, but suggestions are appreciated.   

[wowens]

My opinion. Disassemble,  blast with fine sand & paint with black epoxy primer.
Satin black finish.

[turbohunter]

It’s hangin’ out there for all the world to see.
Agree, I’d do ‘em all separate.
Satin black, maybe gloss but I think I’d lean toward satin

[shady]

I'd powder coat em.

[My427stang]

Tommy and powder coat?  I doubt it

I do agree, if willing to pull the center bolt, best to disassemble, but likely would look fine either way

[SMA390]

I disassembled mine and used POR 15 on the truck. I live on a gravel road and it's been 6-7 years ago. they look the same as the day I put them back on.

[chilly460]

I’ve done them quick and dirty and the rust seems to peek back out between the leaves if you ever drive it in any weather.  Did full cleanup on my car 8yrs ago and they still look very good, worth a little extra work.  I’d definitely say satin

[cammerfe]

Here's a thought from years ago. When you take them apart and get the finish to your satisfaction, put them back together with a layer of copper window screen between each leaf. Put a THIN coat of waterproof grease on the screen, leaving just enough un-coated around the edges to keep the grease from bleeding out. The screen holds the grease in place and provides a bit of cushion effect.

The ultimate result is a smoother ride and a bit less noise from the springs.

KS

[427Fastback]

My preference is to take them all apart and clean and prime each spring.Then I paint them cast iron gray and reassemble them.Satin black would work as well..

[Nightmist66]

Chrome 'em.

[HarleyJack17]

I guess I approach this differently. If the car will see a lot of road time, I do not think I would go through the trouble a complete tear down, blast, paint. Leafs will rust simply due to design(friction).
If it will be a weekend cruiser show type car and you have plenty of time, then sure, put the elbow grease and time into it and it will last longer....maybe long as you ever want.  If I were to go that route, I would try to find some Teflon type pads to put between each leaf to prevent as much friction as I could.
If a daily driver my vote we be clean them up good as you can, as a pack, then treat them or hit with POR 15 or Corroseal or some type of rust converter or preventer, then paint.
Corroseal seems to be pretty pliable where I have used it so I would think it would hold up well on springs.  I have fought this on all of my leaf springs, once it starts, it will not stop.  Rust looks nice an ugly on a lifted Superduty where you can see all the front spring pack(s).

[Richard F]

I cleaned my leafs on my Falcon as best I could and painted them with POR-15. Time will tell as I only have 35 miles on it so far.

[TomP]

I brushed on black POR15 and it looks good.

[Jim Comet]

I would paint them with EZslide graphite impregnated  paint.

[John67427]

I did what Wowens did. Epoxy primer and i would take them apart.