How to Blacken Metals

This will depend on what the new rod is, …..is it chrome plated, or satin nickel?….the rods on your Hudson now,…..are they black chrome?….or satin blackened nickel?…..we don’t know what you have, so making a recommendation becomes a shot in the dark,…best to post up pics of what you already have, and what you got for a solid recommendation,…….

Pat

Thank you Pat will do.

Do a Forum Search:   Neolube   There are several threads, on this compound, and it's use. 

I have used Birchwood Super Blue on clean steel with fairly good results. This will not stick on chromed metal.

There used to be a light blue colored liquid called "Blacken It". Not sure if it is still available or not!

ECI

@harmonyards posted:

This will depend on what the new rod is, …..is it chrome plated, or satin nickel?….the rods on your Hudson now,…..are they black chrome?….or satin blackened nickel?…..we don’t know what you have, so making a recommendation becomes a shot in the dark,…best to post up pics of what you already have, and what you got for a solid recommendation,…….

Pat

Attached is the photo of the old rod and the new one, please let me know what you recommend I use to blacken this.

Thanks,

Joe

@NYC 428 posted:

Attached is the photo of the old rod and the new one, please let me know what you recommend I use to blacken this.

Thanks,

Joe

For this to be done correctly, a dip in a black oxide solution would be best. Your old rod is the same as your new rod, but blackened in this manner. Neolube, and other similar products are not permanent, and will rub off over time. I offer this service to properly blacken components like this. You can get a hold of me via profile for further details.

Pat

OK, thanks. I'll contact you

You might try  applying some extra fine steel wool and then a black Sharpie pen or flat black paint.

  Charlie

I would try a little JB Weld to see if you can tack the side rod back together.

JB Weld is very strong, but in this case I don't believe it's a good solution.  This model is powered through the drive rods.  The spacing and shape of the holes in the rod is critical to smooth operation, it has to exactly match the crankpins on the wheels.  I doubt a JB Weld repair could be accomplished with the necessary precision.

The drive rod on most of my PW steamers are ornamental, and it’s worth a try if yours was. Agree that it very likely wouldn’t hold if it’s functional.

There are chemical blackening compounds that places like Micromark sell. The problem is as others have said, it may not match well the look and feel of the original. Agree that getting someone who knows what they are doing to do this for you to get a close match.

Yep, I'll be sending mine out to be blackened.

The relacement rod appears longer than the original. Is that just an illusion of the photo?

It's the same size as the original.

Gunsmiths use a liquid to 'blue' pistols.  Might ask one of them.  John

@rattler21 posted:

Gunsmiths use a liquid to 'blue' pistols.  Might ask one of them.  John

I've seen liquid blue & black on amazon and some hobby sites.

-- haven't tried it tho...

Thanks everyone !!