Front suspension finishing

[jwelch7818]

First let me thank those in advance for all the help I receive on this forum. It's great that builders are willing to share their knowledge and experience so others, like myself that are new to this, may benefit and I hope to be able to do the same one day.
Anyway, this is more of a cosmetic suspension question. I'm planning on full fenders and running boards so, was wondering how much of the front control arms will be visible that I need to worry about color coordinating or just finish same as black frame?

Thanks as always,
JW

[edwardb]

Did the same on my truck build. Full fenders, running boards, etc. I sprayed the front suspension parts satin black with 2-part epoxy. The rest of the frame I custom powder coated bright silver. Final result was fine IMO. The suspension parts aren't visible unless you look underneath, and they look finished.

[33fromSD]

Depends the angle you look at the front end. Here is a shot from me standing towards the bottom of the driveway where you see quite a bit of the lower control arms. If your standing close to the car you don't see it given the front fenders slope down pretty far.

Jim

20210725_104531.jpg

[jwelch7818]

I certainly see what you mean....nice color and i really love the headlamps.

JW

[33fromSD]

JW,

I'm not sure if you started thinking about it yet or not, but the front fenders, running boards and side engine panels have quite a bit of flex if installed unsupported. There are other ways guys have done it too who can chime in here also, but I added additional supports that tie back to the frame in the engine bay which really stiffens up the front fenders / side panels (see post #249 in my build).

I also added three running board supports on each side (Post #233 in my build) which allows people to step/stand on the running boards and they will not flex.

Also to help stiffen things up, I added aluminum plates on either side of the front fender & running board and rear fender & running board where they are bolted together.

Just some thoughts.

Jim