Sounds like you did EXACTLY like me. On this newest resto, I painted the leaf springs as a whole with epoxy primer, urethane primer, sealer, gloss black single stage urethane. Two things.. there is no amount of cleaning that is enough, but once you have taken the springs to a car wash and sprayed the CRAP out of them with detergent and water, take back to the shop and use a metal toothbrush and gasoline to get even more crud, then a naptha based cleaner to prep it for paint, you MAY have it clean enough.

Then, after all the coatings, what happens is, the paint breaks at each leaf by itself and you hope it doesn't crack or chip. Mine came out great. Very satisfied with the procedure. You can see how it looks sorta on the bolt bucket listed in my sig line. You are going the right route in my opinion. The foundation of ANYTHING in life is the most important. Do it right and you have something to build on. smile


Deve

1950 Chevy 3100 Deluxe Cab
1950 Chevy 3100 Standard Cab
In the Stovebolt Gallery
The Think Tank
More info and tips at Deve's Technet