Help with suspension restoration for Mk 2 Escort RS2000

[Flintstone]

The suspension on the Escort i'm rebuilding is stripped and about to be sent for blasting. Generally what parts should i powder coat and what parts normal spray? Should i dismantle the rear leaf springs completely or just rub down and spray the accessable bits?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[MegatronUK]

If you're getting the bits blasted then definitely take the leaf springs and shackles off, as well as your RS anti-tramp bars. They're easy to clean and repaint when off the car. The springs are probably better sprayed (I wouldn't think the powder coating would last very well due to all the flexing?), but the anti tramp bars, spring shackles and u-bolt mount plates would probably benefit from powder coating.

[Erikmex]

I have my single leaf springs powder coated and the coating has lasted better than paint, it seems to flex more and doesnt crack, 2 pack paint would work well too.

[Flintstone]

Can the leaf springs be dismantled, there is a large rivit which holds them together, can this be replaced easily?

Thanks for the replies.

[sholdowa]

I don't think it's a rivet, but a bolt. you can use washers to pad out the stud to the right size to get rid of the rubber.