Paint Hitch

[GP-TJ]

My hitch on my 2000 is all rust colored. How have you guys painted the hitch. Looks like 4 bolts on each side but looks like an evap cannister in the way on the drivers side. All through bolted though so if they break I should just have to replace the bolt. I just hate to take it off without a helper. Has anyone painted it in place? I'm thinking just a few coats of rustoleum.

Any ideas appreciated.
Thanks
GP

 

[Scottandtyson210]

I used a can of rustoleum black and sprayed it in place, I have also used plasti dip and sprayed it with that, since it is under the truck it doesnt have to be perfect.

 

[tonydiv]

I used Duplicolor bedliner paint on mine (the one in the spray can). It's tough as nails and gives a nice texture.

If you pull it off, be sure to replace all the hardware with grade 8 stuff (nuts and washers too).

Also, if the rust is more than just on the surface and compromises the tubes or welds, just replace the whole thing.

 

[FordandPolaris]

I can't remember the brands, but I just stopped into Home Depot and picked up a primer and black paint (most likely Rustoleum). It has held quite well through the summer and winter, and is much better than the old rust color!

 

[FordandPolaris]

Also, I left mine on the truck to do it.

 

[tonydiv]

The reason to go with a textured paint like Hammerite or Bedliner coat (besides toughness) is that it hides the uneven surface that is left after you wire brush the hitch. If you use a gloss black on an uneven surface, it looks like crap.

 

[walnuts4x4]

Rustoleum Berliner great stuff that's cheap 6-7bucks a can

 

[Lane24]

Tremclad.... Looks great. Sprayed it on the truck.

 

[1997SCEBFEX]

Rusteolum flat black painted on truck about 9 years ago. Masked off warning label with tape. Still looks great!

 

[Blueoval76]

I used POR-15 on mine and it turned out beautiful! With POR-15 it will never rust again either as it seals it permanently.

 

[GP-TJ]

Looks like the rust is just surface rust. I just have to decide to take it off or not. Sounds like it can be done on the truck. I will definitely replace the hardware if I take it off.

Thanks
GP