Paint the door lock mechanism? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**K10-Kansas** · 09-11-2023, 09:01 PM

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.

**1970cstblazer** · 09-12-2023, 08:41 AM

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.

**K10-Kansas** · 09-12-2023, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970cstblazer

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.

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.

**69cam** · 09-12-2023, 12:21 PM

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.

**K10-Kansas** · 09-12-2023, 01:19 PM

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"

**K10-Kansas** · 09-12-2023, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cam

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.

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

**1970cstblazer** · 09-14-2023, 10:35 AM

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

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

09-11-2023, 09:01 PM	#1
K10-Kansas Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Kansas City Posts: 468	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. Attached Images __________________ 1971 C10 manual cab. 76 4x4 chassis. Cut short frame. Carbureted Blueprint 350 and 700r4. ~ James

09-12-2023, 08:41 AM	#2
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,306	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. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

09-12-2023, 12:21 PM	#4
69cam Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Olney Il. Posts: 220	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.

09-12-2023, 01:19 PM	#5
K10-Kansas Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2022 Location: Kansas City Posts: 468	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" __________________ 1971 C10 manual cab. 76 4x4 chassis. Cut short frame. Carbureted Blueprint 350 and 700r4. ~ James

09-14-2023, 10:35 AM	#7
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,306	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. This is what you are shooting for. This is a $202 NOS unit from Ebay... __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration in progress... 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 41k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 60k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels Last edited by 1970cstblazer; 09-14-2023 at 10:42 AM.



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