I have ordered new KYB rear shocks as the current KYB shocks' casing has been eaten away by rust.

The new ones came with some kind of plastic envelope (see picture below). I would like to paint the new shocks with rust-protecting paint. Can I remove the plastic envelope and paint the shocks before installing them? Or should I rather install them with the plastic on, remove the plastic after installation and paint them on the car?

 

I don’t believe you can remove the plastic part

 

I think he’s referring to the plastic packing strap. That is just to keep the shocks in a compressed state for boxing and shipping.
(Yes. On some cars it does help to leave that strap on during installation. Cut it after bolting up. )

 

Yes, exactly, I was referring to the whitish plastic packing strap :-)

 

Ok, that shipping strap should be cut off prior to installation. So yes you can paint the shock parts , but with what? They are already coated with electrostatic paint, commonly called powder coat.

 

If you had a corrosion problem before, painting the shocks is a great idea, especially with a fun color, but be absolutely sure you don’t get even a bit of paint on the piston rod because in the unlikely event that it sticks, it might damage the seal.

Dupli-color wheel paint takes awhile to cure, but once it does, it’s tough as nails. They also have a clearcoat for wheels.

 

I had thought of Hammerite metal protection color. I have used it in the past with good results for for example the rear axle.

 

I suppose I should’ve noticed from your handle that you’re in Europe, ha ha.

 

My experience the shipping strap can help or hinder installation, depending on the way the rear axle is supported.
If you need to compress the shock it's easier to put top on first cut strap and push onto bottom stud when it extends.
Or cut it prior to install and compress instead.
comme ci comme ca
as far as painting the same.

 

The bottom fasteners are bolts, as are the top fasteners.