Advice on painting leaf springs

[Volcom]

I went to the yard this past weekend and bought me some 84 Ford F-150 2wd rear leaf springs for the rear of the Toyota.  They are in decent shape but have some surface rust on them.  How and what do I use to paint them?  I've heard of graphite paint but never seen it in the stores.  Anybody have any insight on painting them?

[gonzo]

It's been a while since I've bought some but I got it at one of the local automotive stores.  It's in a spray can and is a dry graphite.  I used it to lube the surfaces between the leaves.  I would just use some "elbow grease" on the surface rust and use a rattle can of your favorite color paint.  If I was at the house I would post a pic of the graphite paint can, but that will have to wait til I get home.

[BigMike]

You know, if you are willing to dish out a couple more bucks, you could get a Rust Primering paint (converts rust into pirmer) and paint that down first, and then paint over that with the color of choice.

[Volcom]

If I just paint them with some cheapo spray paint, will the paint rub off quickly?  I'm just trying to avoid getting the squeaky leafs 

[gonzo]

If I just paint them with some cheapo spray paint, will the paint rub off quickly? I'm just trying to avoid getting the squeaky leafs

I'm sure others would have a different idea but prep of the metal is what will make it last.  Like BigMike says if you can spend the extra $$, rust priming paint would be the way to go.  To help with the squeak..... the best way is to disassemble the leaves and coat them with the graphite.  If you have some Teflon tape (not pipe tape) you could put pieces of it between the leaves also.  Many of the manufactures do that too.  You don't need to cover the entire leaf just the ends would probably be enough.  Put it only between the leafs.

[No Power]

If I just paint them with some cheapo spray paint, will the paint rub off quickly? I'm just trying to avoid getting the squeaky leafs

Yes cheap paint sucks

[gonzo]

Here is the Graphite Film Lubricant.  I got it from NAPA.

[Sundowner]

spray paint on the underside never lasts. you want rustoleum brush-on paint in the quart can. on'y way to be sure that you've got it thick enough.
trust the northeasterner on this one

[Cheesemaker]

before painting try using a rust inhibitor, or something equivalent, I use stuff called OSPHO.  I put it into a sprayer and spray everything down with it.  When things turn black and dry out then you can paint over it!  My battery tray was all rusted out, so I used a acid neutralizer, (baking soda and vinegar followed up by coke)  sprayed ospho onto it and let it set for a day and then painted it with krylon and three years later it still looks good!