shock paint question

[breezer]

Okay I'm looking for inspiration from you here lads...

Bought a front shock off Juan, (at a very reasonable price) like this one but for a PK

www.sip-scootershop.com/pages/index.php?ID=26086&NOSUBNAVI=1&EXPLODIM=px&_requested_page=%2Fpages%2Fdetails.php

The plastic had rubbed through the paint of the shock body and as a result was a bit rusty, so I stripped the shock and rubbed down all the paint and rust.

My question is what's the best thing to paint / treat it with?

Anything I put on will receive the same treatment (probably quicker than the factory powder coat) so am I better to cut the plastic sleeve down so it doesn't rub? or will that cause other problems (like crap getting into the damper)?

Anything like Ankor wax? Also what's a good hard as nails paint to use on the bottom of the shock?

Sorry for all the questions

[hank]

can't open that link Jim - tried to fix it but failed. whats the item number?

[Juan]

Link doesn't work Jim.It's a RMS adjustable lads.

If I'm thinking right then don't cut off the collar Jim,that's the adjuster for the rebound/tension.

Strip it right back and have the spring powder coated in the colour of your choice.Failing that then use an enamel paint on it.

[breezer]

The spring is fine it's the body of the shock that has rusted where it meets the plastic collar when the shock compresses.

I'll post up some pictures to hopefully show what I mean...

Cheers

Jim

[hank]

one of these?

[breezer]

Okay here's the shock, with paint rubbed off, you can see the plastic cover and how close it is to the body of the shock.



Without the spring



this is the bit I'm wondering about cutting, maybe losing 2/3 of the bottom bit below the knurled ring



Here is the shock body, I want to paint the bottom of it with something really tough (was thinking of hammerite smooth - does that make me a bad person?)

I also want to paint or treat in some way the cylindrical bit that the spring goes over, in such a way that it will not be rubbed off by the plastic cover.

Does that make more sense?

Jim