Anodizing versus Powder Coating

[Hijacker]

So I have a set up aluminum rear uprights that I'm going to be putting on the S13. I was originally considering having them cleaned up and then powder coated for corrosion resistance and protection, but now I'm batting the idea of having them anodized instead as it will give the same resistance and protection I'm looking for without fear of flaking and possibly messing up tolerances for the bolts and other fittings.

Discuss!

[fiznowler]

They both have thier advantages. It does add a layer of plastic so if you dont' tape the threads well it will gunk them up. If taped well it shouldn't be an issue. Both should last a long time. I powdercoat tons of parts but I still have alot of parts I would like annodized mainly because I want the bright gold color that I can't seem to match with powder coat. What color you wanting to go or do you care?

[Hijacker]

Clear so the aluminum shows through. And Anodizing doesn't add a layer of plastic, it's a layer of aluminum oxide that protects the metal beneath it. It's porous enough that it can be dyed, hence all the different color options past the anodizing stage. I'm not looking to add bling, I just want a clean looking piece.

My primary concern is to just protect the uprights from corrosion, which is a concern of mine when dealing with suspension components. The looks is secondary, which is why I"m leaning on anodizing more than powder coating.

[fiznowler]

I was referring to the powdercoat leaving a layer of plastic. I would say annodizing would be a tougher finish . I know powdercoat can chip and flake over time. If you can get annodizing done reasonable that would be the route I would take. Let us know what your guy charges I would love to get a few misc pieces done. What coilovers did you go with to use the aluminum uprights? I have a set of uprights laying around at my house from my z I parted out.

[Hijacker]

I haven't purchased them yet, but Brian Crower or Fortune Auto are on my short list for the coilovers. I wanted KTS, but SPL stopped carrying them and nobody else in the states keeps them in stock unfortunately. The uprights aren't going on until next year anyways. I've got a lot of work I'll be doing over the winter time, which is when I'll be upgrading the whole suspension package to the car. So, I've got some time to decide/buy coilovers.

[fiznowler]

Yeah i put off my suspension till last. I just don't want to cheap out and so many other things eating up the money right now.

[OutToWinPAHC]

I'm a huge fan of powder, but my guys also has over 8000 color options

[Hijacker]

I decided on anodizing. It was a lot more expensive at $125 for the pair, but it'll be more sturdy than PC. There is a plating service in Newport News near the shipyard called Virginia Silver Plating that handled the job for me, and they supply a lot of marine services so I know the quality is good. Overall, I'm pleased. I went with a clear hard anodize, so these should hopefully not corrode again.


Before I had the bushings pressed out. Just generally dirty. The black stuff looks like something Nissan applied, like a paint. Not sure TBH. It can be sanded off, but not cleaned off.





Overall, I'm very happy with the way they came out. I had them sandblasted prior to dropping them off for anodizing, but the guys there media blasted them a second time with glass bead to give it a slightly smoother finish. The turn around time was a day to boot. I'm very happy with the quality of service I got from them. Pretty scratch resistant so far and they clean dirt and grime off easily. Now to get my Nismo rubber bushings in them and mate them up to these: