Q re: painting shocks

[ul9601]

say, with minor surface rust on shocks, can I just media blast and paint the shock body? do i mask the chromey thingy rod with masking tape or something and give it a blast?

cheers

 

[cletus]

Definitely dont get any blasting on the shaft and try and keep it away from the seal also 

Have seen a few get ruined by underbody sandblasters 

[ul9601]

Thanks boss - would you say masking tape good for it or something else better? cheers

Also, does it matter if any of the identifying part marking etc gets obliterated?

[bathcollector]

In my experience with shocks, the finish is usually pretty thin and i have sanded off any paint. The remaining paint in the lettering comes off easy with a wire brush, A coat of primer and whatever colour on top will see them better than factory applied finish. Standard masking tape round the shaft will be fine.