Ram Air Six-Pak

[Tray Burge]

Some of you guys probably thought I'd abandoned this project, but I have gotten a lot accomplished so far.
Problem is, and I need help with a solution so speak up!
I've completed my butterflies (heavy aluminum plates) for both sides and have figured out how to make them functional, however the materials are not made of the best grade of metal and would rust.
If I were a machinist, I'd just fab this stuff out of stainless and be done, but I'm not.
I tried coating the rods and hardware, but still don't trust them from rusting.
Though not pictured, I have both sides working together in tandem and they'll be operated by a linear actuator wired to an old 70's style "Air Grabber" switch, I just need to come up with something/someway to eliminate the inevitable rust issues.
Any suggestions?
I'm thinking about doing a home powder coating of the hardware?

 

[G-Ride990]

All of that hardware is just standard stuff minus the brackets of course, you can order stainless all-thread and nuts from McMasterCarr or any other hardware supplier. Looks like 1/4-20 or 5/16-18 all-thread or somewhere around there.

 

[ViolentMouse]

you can stainless, or you can powder coat at home with your oven. either way is fairly cheap.

The only problem I see is where ever there is a rub point, you will eventually rub off any coating no matter how durable. stainless takes the win there.

 

[Tray Burge]

Yes, I thought about that and have been to McMasterCarr and they have what I need in stainless.