paint for the tongue

[tinsltootsie]

We just bought a 74 Overlander which is in decent shape. One of the things we would like to address at this time is the tongue that has some minor rust. Is there a paint that is recommended that would look best with the satin finish on this trailer? (it still has its clearcoat) We can use automotive finish, or a spray can paint. Thanks for any help.

[InsideOut]

We used POR-15...others have used the spray on Rustoleum. I am very happy with the Por-15 and would use it again.

Shari

[maxandgeorgia]

Hmm...I've been thinking about this too. Our tongue has some rust and the weight distribution bars are rusty too. None of this is deep rust--just unattractive at this point. Ours are black. Should black continue? Are some tongues/bars painted the silvery aluminum color? What's good for this area?

[DPeakMD]

I just finished painting our A-frame with POR-15 after reading about Shari's good experience. This is the best paint I've ever used. It's wonderful! It goes on so smooth it actually glistens. It also fills in small voids and imperfections giving you a very level surface. I was going to paint it to match the grey on the rest of the belly pan of our '78, but when I got done, I liked the gloss black so much that I decided to leave it black. With the POR-15, you have to topcoat it because it's meant for frames and undercarriages and is not UV resistant. I used Rustoleum gloss black over top of it. The POR makes such a thick coat that it's pretty scratch resistant, too. I'm going ahead and painting all of the exposed frame members under the trailer with it now. Wonderful product!

-Dallas

[Rog0525]

One thing I learned the hard way is to remove all of the paint stripper before repainting. Gasoline works well.
I've had good results with Krylon spray cans of primer and paint.

[tinsltootsie]

Thanks for all the info. The POR-15 looks like the thing we are looking for. I just glanced at info and pictures and will pass it on to my husband. I may have missed this info, but did you spray first with rustoleum, and then use this POR-15? Also, where did you purchase it? I see there is a web site, but did not click on it. (on my way to work) Thanks again for all the helpful info! I'm just lovin' this trailer!

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by Debbie Noon

Thanks for all the info. The POR-15 looks like the thing we are looking for. I just glanced at info and pictures and will pass it on to my husband. I may have missed this info, but did you spray first with rustoleum, and then use this POR-15? Also, where did you purchase it? I see there is a web site, but did not click on it. (on my way to work) Thanks again for all the helpful info! I'm just lovin' this trailer!

No, you apply the POR-15 directly to the surface after cleaning off any loose rust flakes with a wire brush. It attaches to the rust & prevents it from continuing to spread...that's what it's made for. The Rustoleum wouldn't help as a basecoat....it actually would defeat the purpose of using the POR-15.

We found it in stock at an automotive paint supply store but it can also be purchased online. There's a link on my webpage above in my earlier reply that directly links to the POR-15 website where it can be ordered.

Good luck!

Shari

[Over59]

Check their web site. They have a system you can use and sell it as a package. I used the sterling silver and it looks real nice.

[tinsltootsie]

I will look at airstream's site as well. We go their polish and some other things to clean with and all seem to work well.

[tinsltootsie]

Couldn't find the tongue paint on airstream/shop site. Any help?

[Tom Nugler]

Just ran across this thread. Before it started pouing buckets here in northern Illinois I started painting the steel front end parts on my 67 GT with Duplicolor alloy wheel paint. After cleaning up the rust it took two coats to cover and looks pretty good. This is a eurathane type paint, has a high satin shine and it seems most auto parts places carry it.
Good Luck, TOM

[HP9K]

I have had good luck with Rustoleum's new "hammered" finish paints. I have used the silver and the charcoal and they both leave a nice finish that does really have the appearance of hammered metal.

[iowaroots]

We just bought some touch up paint. Airstream part #360260-100 Pewter Gray. Got it at http://www.btcamper.com/

[Tooldlr69]

If there is rust present on the tongue, then use a terrific product called Hammerite. The product can be placed directly over rust. The coating dries w/ heat hardened glass flakes that interlock to prevent further moisture reaching the substrate causing corrosion and/or rust. It comes in smooth and hammered finishes as well as brush on and spray. I sell it in my hardware store and it is probably easier to find in southern regions.

[tinsltootsie]

Thanks for all the info. I am finally going to start this project and am not sure which paint I'll use, but I'll probably go with the airstream or the hammered paint several recommended. Thanks!

[cloud55]

I used the hammerite on one piece of my wrought iron patio furniture many years ago...I had the other furniture professionally powder coated. I have to tell you that the piece with the home done sprayed on hammerite has held up better...go figure. It was a lot cheaper too! Lynn

[Nye Thatcher]

I have used SEARS TOOL BOX GRAY.Their stock number on the can is 66338 I find it a perfect match for later models and would think all models are the same color. I found it in the tool section, and not the paint section at Sears. I also used the hand trigger that attaches to the top of the 12oz aerosol can This makes it really easy to do a good job. Let us know how you make out. Good luck