Restoring leaf springs. Electroless nickel or black paint?

[bull]

I'm getting close to that part of the project and am wondering if leaf springs were originally painted or bare metal? If they were bare metal I'm thinking of having them plated in electroless nickel, which does look a lot like bare metal. If they were painted, well, I'll probably paint them.

[bill440rt]

It is my understanding that either bare metal OR painted black is correct for leaf springs.

[bull]

Thanks. I'm now thinking black would be the way to go.

[69 OUR/TEA]

I ended up doing mine  black bull,they were new brand new leaf springs(black) ,but sanded them down anway to bare metal,etch primed them then used a satin black on them.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Took mine all apart & used Seymor Stainless Steel paint...just to add some contrast back there;)

[440]

Same as the tank I presume ?

A little off topic but I'm still surprised there is no rubber insulator to go between the straps and the tank itself.

[Chatt69chgr]

Once the straps are tightened there is no movement.

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Tank was left natural.... Just sprayed clear coat over it....

[69 OUR/TEA]

That looks real nice under there Chris!!!! Sway bar too!!!!!

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

You noticed!  Posted that pic a while ago & some noticed & some didn't....you can feel the effect of the sway bar ever so slightly.

[resq302]

Aww Chris.  You put the engine back to stock and now you have the aftermarket sway bar on there?  I better not see you in the stock class next year!   

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Aww Chris.  You put the engine back to stock and now you have the aftermarket sway bar on there?  I better not see you in the stock class next year!  

that bar has been on there for the better part of 5 years now Brian.  You have to get further down on your knees next time to see it!
PS...... The Holley is back on there now!  

[resq302]

sheesh Chris.  I know I am getting old with just  turning 35 and all but am I really getting THAT blind?

[bull]

Took mine all apart & used Seymor Stainless Steel paint...just to add some contrast back there;)

Did you paint the shackles and front brackets this Seymor Stainless too?

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

Yes