3 piece bolts...

[M-technik-3]

Wanting to go a different route with mine and go with black for the bolt head, for those that have done this did you just paint them or powder coat them?

[BimmerTim]

I would have them black zinc coated.

There are places that would do this for pretty cheap. Locally, I found a place that would do all the bolts for $55.

[Philo]

Powder coat is going to hold up longer. Just make sure you clean them very well either way you go.

And i'd go with the zinc, as noted.

[F34R]

Another 1+ for zinc coating.

[M-technik-3]

Issue is they are already Zic coated and stripping that is tough. Thought on stripping factory coatings?

[Massive Lee]

Powder coat is going to hold up longer. Just make sure you clean them very well either way you go.

And i'd go with the zinc, as noted.

Powder coat will crack as soon as you torque the heads. Not a good idea on bolts.

[Philo]

I'd be sure to torque the nut, not the bolt.

Aircraft stripper, cola soak, vinegar soak. . .not sure exactly. People use a lot of different things to clean/strip them. I'd make a couple calls to some reputable metal shops.

[M-technik-3]

I have been to a few places and most don't want to do the work.

[Massive Lee]

http://www.caswellplating.com/

[BimmerTim]

We use acid to strip zinc here at work. Works quick.

Or just have the plating company strip and recoat them.

Also, DO NOT tell them they are for automotive use. If they ask what they are for, just say work or something.

[MattM]

Also, DO NOT tell them they are for automotive use.

why?

[BimmerTim]

Because most shops like that will tell you to get lost if you do. They don't want that liability on their hands. If they don't know what it's for, they can't be held accountable.

It doesn't matter how small or insignificant the part may be, a lot of shops will not touch it if it goes on a car.

I deal with these shops as part of my job, and as part of my car hobby, and it's just one of those things.

[Rodoni]

the 3 piece bolts are not spline like 2 piece wheel bolts are. You have to torque both sides.

As a powder coater, I say zinc like most people do. Youll fuck up the finish of the powder coat otherwise. I only PC 2 piece bolts. You also wont have to worry about masking off the threads when using zinc.