question on refinishing steering box

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Apr 4, 2006 | 10:35 AM

BarryK

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From: Newark DE

question on refinishing steering box

ok, on my '78 project car I've gotten the frame and front suspension components, steering componenets, etc all cleaned up from grease, dirt, etc. I have the frame rails, front suspension, and steering rods already painted with Eastwoods Rust encapulator and ready to get the top coats of semi-gloss black.
The steering box is nice and clean down to the bare natural finish and it looks pretty good but i'm wondering on '78's if it came as a natural finish or if it was painted black from the factory.
i'm guessing it was natural finish rather than painted but I want to make sure what is correct.

thanks for any help you can offer.

Apr 4, 2006 | 12:26 PM

BarryK

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From: Newark DE

no one??

I'm about to paint the frame today so was hoping somebody would have an answer

Apr 4, 2006 | 01:02 PM

sweethence

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From: Wilmington DE, Drive it like you stole it, 68 327 4 speed coupe

Quote:

Originally Posted by BarryK

no one??

I'm about to paint the frame today so was hoping somebody would have an answer

it was natural finish. I used POR 15 clear coat on mine to keep the look

Apr 4, 2006 | 01:07 PM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Barry most were natural. If anything they had that crappy falt black from the factory on them. If yours is clean and natural use a little spindle oil on it to protect it.

Here's a 64 box that I just blueprinted for another C2 buddy. I blasted it clean then used light spindle oil,which is clear, to coat it.

Last edited by gtr1999; Apr 4, 2006 at 04:45 PM.

Apr 4, 2006 | 01:14 PM

BarryK

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From: Newark DE

great, that's what I thought but needed to confirm.
I know i've seen boxes that are painted black but never thought that was correct.

Thanks guys!

Apr 5, 2006 | 11:20 AM

Jim Shea

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From: Saginaw Michigan

Almost every steering gear that left the Saginaw Steering Gear manufacturing plant had a natural finish. There were a few power steering gears that were painted black for one model or another; but usually the paint was omitted the very next year as a cost saving project.

I am quite sure that all Corvette gears were never painted.

Jim

Apr 6, 2006 | 04:36 AM

hunt4cleanair

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From: Myrtle Beach SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Shea

I see a lot of 78s on the judging field and in full agreement with Jim...natural. They also have a spot yellow inspection paint so if its authencity you seek, you may wish to splash a blotch. I may even have a picture somewhere. They will also have the broadcast code "WZ" stamped in black ink as well.

Apr 6, 2006 | 07:33 AM

BarryK

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From: Newark DE

Hunt

I agree that it should be natural. I thought so originally but just making sure by double checking others feedback on it.

After cleaning it up I can still see traces of the yellow inspection dab of paint but i'm not going thru judging with the car so I'm not concerned about re-doing it with more yellow paint.