Classic/Antique Car Repair: 53 Dodge Pick up, surface rust, satin finish

Question
I am restoring a 1953 dodge pick up 1/2 ton, This is my first go at a restoration of an auto. I am going to restore as close to original as I can. I have removed the leaf springs and cleaned them with a wire wheel brush. They were pretty rusty but just surface rust, they cleaned up really nice, they look like new. Now I'm ready to reassemble and install on the frame. I have applied POR15 to the frame, so far it's awesome stuff. Do you think I should paint every spring prior to reassembly? I am getting different opinions.

Answer
I would not paint the spring leaves until the spring is all back together.  A thin coat of satin finish over the assembled spring will make it look new, and not interfere with the operation of the spring.

It sounds like you're doing a nice job - keep it up!

Dick