Painting Bolts

[KTNC]

When painting (farmall M) are there any bolts in particular that should not painted?

And on a painted bolt that must be re-attached to the tractor, how can you do it so that the fresh paint is not scuffed/removed?

thanks
 

[Oliver662011]

I usually say an bolt in oil or coolant shouldn't be painted. As far as not scratching them not much you can do, try to be gentle and touch them up.
Mike
 

[sflem849]

No, the entire tractor was painted assembled so all bolts are red.
 

[showcrop]

Try putting some plastic wrap over the head to protect it. You will still need to touch up with a brush. A lot of people like to have that contrast of all the shiny bolt heads, but it is not usually correct. But to each his own as they say.
 

[DScott]

[David G]

I would agree with D Scott, have never had much luck pre painting bolts.
 

[Mike M]

I would poke holes in cardboard boxes and stick the bolts in them for prepainting. Never had much problem with them getting buggered up upon assembly,BUT I don't use hardener either. Hardener will make your fresh paint pop right off.
 

[Joe W.]

Like DScott, I paint them after assembly. I have refinished 6 running gears and in each case I paint the lug bolt heads. First I rub the bolt heads against the wire wheel on my bench grinder, wipe them down, and wrench them on the wheels. Then I apply a coat of primer with a 1/4" detail brush and then 2 coats of finish paint with the same detail brush. Takes time but looks good.