Should I anodize the Rudder Pedals and Canopy Side Rails?

[eh_v8_tor]

Hi Folks,

My experience with anodization only involves admiring the colour of the pull tabs on cans of beer.

I would like to add a splash of colour to the canopy side rails, and the rudder pedals. I know that people have anodized these parts in the past. For those of you who have... how does it hold up to years of service?

Are you happy with the results, are there any pitfalls to avoid?

I figure if I don't like the look, I could just paint over it. Is that correct?

Thanks,

Steve W.
RV-7 tip up canopy.

[scsmith]

The canopy rails are already anodized. It happens to be clear anodizing. If you want to do that over to add color, I think you have to have the existing layer stripped first. Ask at the anodizing shop.

[WingsOnWheels]

Originally Posted by scsmith

The canopy rails are already anodized. It happens to be clear anodizing. If you want to do that over to add color, I think you have to have the existing layer stripped first. Ask at the anodizing shop.

Is that something new? Mine are not anodized, nor most that I have seen.

[rv8ch]

I got my 3 canopy rails black anodized locally. Holding up so far, but I expect that at some point it will wear through - particularly the middle rear rail, since the canopy block is sliding on it.

[F1 Rocket]

I have several components anodized in my Rocket. Most have held up well over the past 17 years including the rudder pedals. The only ones that have not are the two front seat back rails. These have faded a lot. Given this I would not anodize components that will be exposed to sunlight or handled often.

[219PB]

I did my canopy rails black. Also did the T bar on the exterior center slide. Only one year of service but they still look good as new.

[tgmillso]

I anodized the brake pedal components before assembly just to liven things up again. I went with red but they came up sort of orange. Apparently it’s the copper in the 2024 that causes it. Just make sure you take this into account when selecting the color. Nothing wrong with orange brake pedals though.
Tom.
RV-7

[rickrv8]

I hard anodized black the side and center rails on my -8. They are now over 16 years old and have held up very well. There are a couple of minor scratches on the center rail but they were my doing and not from wear. I’ve also had no fading. I think the trick is to get a “hard” coating. The anodizing shop will understand.

[flynwest]

My side rails and rear slide guide have been blue anodized for 10 years still look good.

[Ralph Inkster]

I just polished mine, both rails & rear slide, 15 years later still looks good on first plane.
Pedals on first plane painted, wore off in spots. Just left them aluminum on the follow up planes with good results.