Topic: Shipping tie down brackets - Dec 65 Dearborn

[jwc66k]

I lightly phosphate and oil the brackets that I'm not going to paint. The pictures are after and before (just the way I numbered them), hardware is original but phosphated or plated as necessary.
Jim

[J_Speegle]

The bare metal on mine look great, how to finish them from there I am at a loss for options. Any recommendations/suggestions ?

Plenty of threads on this site related to that choice . Currently for me I heat (just to the pretty warm stage:) and then soak the metal in a micro film protective oil.

The rust may still come back over time but the fix is much, much easier than with a clear or paint which typically requires removal and a complete redo.  Since both finishes will show age and exposure given enough time and/or the right conditions in my experience