Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

Do I need to paint my new door lock mechanism? It looks like bare metal but there are a lot of small moving parts. It kind of looks like it has a finish but I don't know if it is rust resistant.

Re: Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

MOST 1967-1972 trucks/Blazers did not have painted latches. Some 1972 Blazers had painted latches if built at the St. Louis plant.

Unlike the repros, the originals were grey phosphate coated. The repros are cad plated, so they will not flash rust from humidity, but will rust if subjected to copious amounts of rain. I think the bright aftermarket latches scream cheesy.

Re: Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

Oh, interesting info. I put a drop of water on it last night and that dried overnight. I set another drop in the same spot. If the area looks discolored I'll definitely paint it But I dunno ,,,,, I feel like I should still paint it even if there is no discoloration.

Re: Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

Do what you want, but if it were me I would scuff with a scotchbrite pad, then prime with self etching primer. then you could paint to match grey phosphate.

Re: Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

I didn't know what etching was so I looked it up. Posted below if anyone else didn't know:

"Self-etching primers can do something that regular primers cannot. It contains an acidic chemical that bonds, or etches, onto a metallic surface. Etching readies metal for a topcoat (source). The etching creates a rougher surface for the topcoat to cling to, much like sanding would accomplish"

Re: Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

Thanks, I'll definitely go ahead and prime and paint

Re: Paint the door lock mechanism?
 

Look to Eastwood Co. for the phosphate looking paint. It's pretty close to the real thing if shot correctly.

https://cdn-fsly.yottaa.net/60d0e01b....jpg?yocs=j_o_


This is what you are shooting for. This is a $202 NOS unit from Ebay...

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/JMsAA...pX/s-l1600.jpg