Greg,
You can have bare steel parts clear powdercoated. It looks bitchin'- we do BMX bikes and parts like handlebars in clear powder. The only drawback is it has a glossy look to it, so if your going for a resto look it may not be right. I've used Krylon Dullcoat before with good success on suspension and brake parts. Don't spray it on too heavy though cause it will blush.
Hope this helps- Pete