What is the finish on the black (non-chrome) Ashtabula cranks? I have several but they are all showing some wear with some shiny areas on the high spots.

Would like to get them refinished but I am not sure what the finish would be.

i believe its called black oxide, i dont know who or how that would be applied.

Yep. Cheap too.

TONS of machine shops have it done daily. Find a buddy, and put them in a shop's pile. They will probably charge you a dollar, and a stick of gum for the trouble.

Not nearly as hard as anodizing to get done. Just like a model T. Any color you want, as long as it's black....

....and if you are in BFE and don't have any machine shops around, I believe Eastwood sell a kit to do it at home.

-Dave

Thanks for the info guys! I guess should take my Ashtabula stems as well.

Gun Blueing will provide a similar finish. WalMart $3.99 for enough to do a bunch of cranks.