I'm wondering if there are surface coatings to rust-proof and beautify steel parts of the car that I don't know about. Here are the pros and cons of what I do know (feel free to correct/inform me).
1. Paint (from a aerosol can or a spray guy). Pros are that it looks good intially and is cheap. Cons are that it isn't that damage tolerant (we tend to paint car parts black and they get scratched up with each rebuild).
2. Powder coat (baked on). Pros are that it looks good and is very good about not getting scratched up. Cons are that is is difficult to remove to weld-on extra tabs, and impossible to spot repair. It is also more expensive because we have to send parts out to be powder coated.
3. Black Oxide (like the nuts and bolts that you buy but slightly nicer and more uniform.) Pros are that it is thin, and easily removed to weld on extra tabs. You can also easily spot cracks. It also coats both the inside and out of parts as it is an immersion process. Cons are that it must be oiled, and is not truely waterproof. Also it cannot be spot repaired.
4. Chrome. Hydrogen imbrittlement... I won't consider for a race car.
5. Nickle. I know little about this one.