350X Axle finishing questions...

[350Kris]

Okay, I only have a few things keeping me from finishing my 350X project. One of them is the axle. I have a new OEM axle (I don't want/need an aftermarket one) that I polished -- I only polished the left and right sides (the parts of the axle that extend from the housing to the splines; I left the splines and middle of the axle that new gold color for protection). I like the polished look, but now I'm intersted in longevity and minimal maintenance. I have a diamond clear from Eastwood that I thought about using. What about plating? Anodizing? Or what about just leaving it polished and making sure I clean/polish it regularly? Help?!?!

[BLAZERONE22]

Take it down to a powdercoater and have him put a clear on there after you get it all polished up.

[350Kris]

Given that it will take some abuse there, will it chip easily?

[BLAZERONE22]

Its a pretty tough finish.. I've powdercoated a couple axles and they have held up good. You might have to take the sprocket hub off though, rubber don't do to well in an oven.

[350Kris]

Plus, there is rubber in the sprocket mount flange (that could melt during baking!) -- how hard is that to remove (I can see a snap ring there, but it looks tight).

[350Kris]

Haha...you're one step ahead of me! Is it easy to remove?

[BLAZERONE22]

I've never taken one off before. but I would'nt think it would be to tough...

[dblshockpower]

I'm thinking a good coat of cheap silver rustoleum every now and then may be the best all around approach, as it is with black ATV racks.