suggestions on how to treat steel

[fjfool]

i had to make a couple of spacers to deal with a rotor offset issue
the good, i just used some home depot stock steel
the bad, its just raw steel and its gonna rust and possible dissimilar metals reaction 
i figured any spray on hardening finish, like clear coat, would just turn to dust from being smashed between the rotor and hub
i put a thin coat of grease on them and installed them for probably this summer
its dry here and i am a fair weather rider so i feel i should get away with it
any suggestions on how to better protect the metal would be appreciated
anodizing???

 

[ribbert]

i had to make a couple of spacers to deal with a rotor offset issue
the good, i just used some home depot stock steel
the bad, its just raw steel and its gonna rust and possible dissimilar metals reaction 

If they're just a couple of spacers, why not get an off cut of SS or aluminium plate and make new ones or paint your current ones with a rust inhibiting/neutralising paint.

Noel

[FJ1100mjk]

You could plate them using one the kits from this place: http://www.caswellplating.com/kits/index.html However, to buy one of their plating kits for the size you need for your spacer may be beyond what you're looking to spend. Or perhaps one of their chemical conversion (chromate) kits, that are cheaper.

You could possibly take them to a local powder coating outfit? Not sure if the paint thickness will throw off your measured spacer thickness and cause issues.

Anodizing is only for aluminum and titanium. To my knowledge.

[FJmonkey]

Grease will only last a short while, so when you next have the spacers/shims off, clean them back to bare metal. Then spray them with any good Rustoleum like paint. Being sandwiched between the rotor and wheel hub they will not see the same heat as the rotors. They can get hot but not enough to over cook the paint. Assuming you don't use the FJ for track days.... The paint will also address your metal to metal (dissimilar metals) issues.

A longer lasting fix is to have them plated. Zinc plating is very common and suppliers can be found every where. Other plating types are harder to find and likely more expensive. Making new ones in AISI 304 SST is a good option, it will never rust orange, and when it does rust (white colored), it protects its self.

If you powder coat, expect 3 to 5 thousands of added thickness per side.   

[Pat Conlon]

A high temp Zinc Chromate primer (heat cured/hardened) then a Rustoleum color of your choice.

[Mark Olson]

Just curious as to why you need spacers ...what wheel and rotors are you using?

[fjfool]

Just curious as to why you need spacers ...what wheel and rotors are you using?

hi Mark,
i am using a '91 FZR1000 front wheel(17mm axle)
and EBC MD2001XC rotors
i believe the fitment of the rotor is for '89-'92 fj's and some FZR 600's
the guy at EBC had mentioned something about the offset being "off" about .6mm  if using the FZRwheel
he was extremely helpful and had very fast access to his info on wheels , rotors and calipers and was not fazed a bit buy the custom set up- kinda like he does this stuff every day
i like that company, and the rotors- man that is some serious bling! they look so sweet   i cant wait to actually use them

[ribbert]

........the guy at EBC had mentioned something about the offset being "off" about .6mm  if using the FZRwheel

Noel

[fjfool]

........the guy at EBC had mentioned something about the offset being "off" about .6mm  if using the FZRwheel

I wouldn't even worry about 0.6 mm offest. Forget the spacers.

Noel

well, Noel, thats kinda the second time i have heard that- the guy at EBC wouldnt say that but, he was hinting at it
looks like i found my solution for the steel treatment

[ribbert]

........the guy at EBC had mentioned something about the offset being "off" about .6mm  if using the FZRwheel

I wouldn't even worry about 0.6 mm offest. Forget the spacers.

Noel

well, Noel, thats kinda the second time i have heard that- the guy at EBC wouldnt say that but, he was hinting at it
looks like i found my solution for the steel treatment

That sort of offset isn't going to worry the pads and pistons as long as the rotor clears the caliper, which it should, I've never had occasion to check that clearance, but at a whisker over half a mm I think they would, it ain't much and it's easy to check.
Noel

[Mark Olson]

I will agree with Noel on that ...

You have the spacers all worked out already but really not necessary for the small amount we are talking about.  If it makes you happy then carry on.