[RyanDudeH6]

I plan on ordering billet upper control arms soon from icon for my 07 FJ, and I plan on powder coating them to a blue that would closely match my FJ. I do not know much about powder coating and have found a couple different places that say it might affect the strength and durability of it. I have seen a couple of people here on the forum powder coat their billet lower links and I just want to know if this would be a good idea and if they would hold up well, thanks in advance

 

[PatriotFJ]

You would probably have to remove the ball joint and bushings. Pretty sure powder coating is baked on around 400°f. Not sure what that would do to the rubber, but probably wouldn't be to good.

 

[FJtest]

Most powder coat paints are cured between 350-450F, and that is within the temperature range that will affect the temper of heat-treated aluminum alloys. Icon billet control arms are machined from 6061 alloy, and some 6061 hardening processes are performed at temperatures as low as 320F, so I would NOT have them powder-coated. Wet paint would be fine.

I'd contact Icon and get their input, but as far as I can tell Icon does not offer powder-coated billet control arms.

 

[norm356]

By the way, "Powder Coating" is a term thrown around by applicators, and if you notice how quickly it peels off in sheets from tow hitches and rock rails, most of them don't follow the proper, difficult and precise procedure required to get it to stick properly.

As a result, I am very skeptical of anyone who claims to do powder coating. It looks awesome on the shelf, because of how the material bonds to itself. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to get that to bond to the part. OEM powder coaters follow a precise series of surface preparation steps, aftermarket ones just spray and bake (so it peels off in sheets after the first scratch).

I'm with FJTest, for all of the good reasons he stated, and for the fact that brush on paint will typically last longer, and look better longer, and be easier to touch up if that is ever required.

 

[mikey]

I would look at the 2 part epoxy paint systems ( ENDURA) for that application.

 

[PatriotFJ]

Get a can of rustoleum high performance protective enamel in whatever color you want. Sometimes I use a spray on primer before I brush it on sometimes I don't either way it always bonds for me. I painted my skids, bumper, and sliders in it. It also comes in a rattle can. FJ test said they are aluminum if thats the case you might want to get an aluminum etching primer, but rustoleum also sells a can of that just hard to find sometimes

 

[FJtest]

I would look at the 2 part epoxy paint systems ( ENDURA) for that application.

Either 2-part epoxy or 2-part urethane systems would probably be the 'best' solution, with the parts lightly grit-blasted (not bead blasted) before applying the appropriate primer. However, the 2-part systems are quite a bit more complex to mix, apply, and clean out the spray equipment. The urethane systems are typically a little more chip-resistant than the more brittle epoxy systems, but scratch more easily.

 

[mikey]

ENDURA you can by spray cans ready to go, pretty straight forward.

1K and 2K Aerosol Spray Cans - Endura Paint

The 1K and 2K Aerosol Spray Cans are excellent for touch ups and repairs or for painting small projects. The Endura 1K and 2K systems provide over [...]

www.endurapaint.com

 

[FJtest]

ENDURA you can by spray cans ready to go, pretty straight forward.

1K and 2K Aerosol Spray Cans - Endura Paint

The 1K and 2K Aerosol Spray Cans are excellent for touch ups and repairs or for painting small projects. The Endura 1K and 2K systems provide over [...]

www.endurapaint.com

The Endura 2K system is interesting, I hadn't seen that before, where the catalyst is injected into the aerosol can and mixed inside the can before being sprayed. Of course, once catalyzed any paint you don't spray immediately is history.

 

[olongapo2]

RyanDudeH6,
I once ran Icon's billet alum arms with their Delta joints. Eventually removed and sold them. They are way over priced and don't provide an additional benefits over other quality brand arms. In my humble opinion, consider saving yourself some cash and go with SPC or JBA arms. Rattle can them the color you want.

I'm currently using JBA High Caster arms. Best money spent. Rugged and functional product. Provides perfect caster angle on my vehicle. Easy to service should the need arise which it won't. Additionaly, JBA provides outstanding customer service. On JBA's website are several videos explaining the design and construction of their arms. Recommend you at least check out their site before purchasing the Icons.

 

[Iconic_]

Anodize them blue instead...... kidding!

 

[BrewsterII]

That's the beauty of driving a "Sand Storm" colored FJ.

Driving off road tends to match the under carriage with the body color.