painting something that's galvanized

Rich'sToys · Jul 20, 2023

The arms for the mirror on one of my trucks are a little too short. Can't really see past the corner of the grain box. I have a piece of 3/4" electrical conduit. I'm thinking I can make new arms by cutting it to length, flattening the ends, and drilling the proper holes.
My question is--the conduit is galvanized. What's the best way to treat it so that paint will stick to it? I was thinking muriatic acid, but I know that gives off some god-awful fumes, plus I don't have any on hand anymore that I can find. Wondering if vinegar might accomplish the same thing, or can I just rough it up with some sandpaper and prime it? Thoughts?

Janicholson · Jul 20, 2023

EMT Conduit is too thin walled to hold the mirror. Regular sch40 pipe is too thick. 4130 chrome tubing will do well with .090inch wall (or so). Another option is extenders they would work without making a fuss. Jim
good idea

Steve in VA · Jul 20, 2023

Its tough to get paint to stick to
galvanized. An etching primer is a good
start but, why not skip the paint and just
go with the galvanized look?

CEP ACB · Jul 20, 2023

You can use an aerosol can of self etching primer.
Scuff it clean it and spray.
Or a two part epoxy more $$
Maybe you can find some stainless tubing , but don't detract from that fine patina on the truck.

Steve in IL · Jul 20, 2023

Man The memories 40 years ago I had a 1957
Chevy 2 ton. Same kinda mirrors. Worthless. Found
some decent west coast mirrors in a local truck junk
yard. $10 or so. Mounted right up. 100 percent
improvement.

Stephen Newell · Jul 20, 2023

You would be better off using an etching primer. Then put a normal automotive primer over that and then the finish paint. All of which is available in rattle can.

glennster · Jul 20, 2023

soak the conduit in vinegar for an hour or so, then rinse with water and baking soda. then follow with a self etch primer.

fusion1 · Jul 21, 2023

WHY
would u really care it was painted

Barts Dad · Jul 21, 2023

Years ago our first house had galvanized gutters. When we repainted house and trim I used a zinc chromate primer on the gutters and roof valleys. Then painted over with standard exterior latex. Was still good 16 years later when the next owner replaced the roof and gutters.

TerryfromSWIowa · Jul 21, 2023

EMT will break at the door from vibration, why not cut your mount and find a pipe that will slip over that and weld.

Mike Groom · Jul 21, 2023

I have bead blasted them with good success, it gives it some tooth to adhere to, just a light blast so it doesn't go thru the coating and roughs up the surface.

dr sportster · Jul 21, 2023

Av tin knocker told me if he paints ductwork he wipes it down with vinegar.

Rich'sToys · Jul 21, 2023

Lots of good information here.

I fabbed one up this morning. Seemed to work well. It might be a little weak where the bend is, but otherwise seems to be OK. This is no longer a working truck, and so will not be getting a huge amount of miles on it, so I don't think it will be a problem.

I may just leave the galvanized look for now, but haven't decided for sure yet. I had thought of that in the beginning, but don't really care for the look of all that writing on it. Maybe there's an easy way to get that off?

I had also thought of west coast mirrors, as I have a set off another truck. But I didn't want to drill any more holes in the doors besides the ones that were already there.

Thanks to all who replied!

hd6gtom · Jul 21, 2023

After owning trucks for 15 years, the best
thing you can do, buy some Jr West Coast
Mirrors. They aren't that expensive.

Crazy Horse · Jul 21, 2023

Every possible solution known to the human race has been covered. Nice job, well done.

showcrop · Jul 21, 2023

(quoted from post at 15:04:46 07/21/23) Every possible solution known to the human race has been covered. Nice job, well done.

Are you sure??? We could be just getting warmed up. I recommend phosphoric acid to etch the emt so that the paint will stick. Many auto body shops have it on hand.

Greenfrog · Jul 22, 2023

Congoleum makes a spray paint primer that is designed to spray on galvanized metal. Menards has
it.

Rich'sToys · Jul 22, 2023

That's good to know. I'll look for it the next time I'm in there.

Greenfrog · Jul 22, 2023

No. 3202. I think.

HFJ · Jul 22, 2023

(quoted from post at 14:52:15 07/21/23)

I may just leave the galvanized look for now, but haven't decided for sure yet. I had thought of that in the beginning, but don't really care for the look of all that writing on it. Maybe there's an easy way to get that off?

if you've got some laying around, try some PVC primer.

painting something that's galvanized

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