I'm doing some research on the original finishes for the front end parts on my 68. In the Richard Prince book titled Corvette Restoration Guide 1968-1982, p. 62 it says:

"Front spindles are natural in color and tend to have a bluish tint to their gray color. In addition, the lower portions of the spindles are frequently seen with orange or white paint as though the bottoms of the spindles were dipped into it"

Does anyone have an idea or maybe of photo of exactly how the spindle was "dipped" in the paint? And was it both sides or just one side that were dipped usually? I've not had much luck finding a picture...

thanks

 

I have the book Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide and on page 43 the finish is natural and the ends have a daub of orange paint. I have never seen one that looks like it was dipped.

 

I cleaned the hell out of my spindles with a wire brush and wire wheel, then wiped them with Os-Pho and sprayed them with CRC SP-400.

I've seen the daubs of paint splattered on spindles and driveshafts and whatever by restorers working for a renowned NCRS and Bloomington Gold/Survivor judge. My restored/refinished parts are lacking these mysterious daubs and probably will for as long as both I and my heirs own the car. Maybe somebody else, some day, will splatter the "correct" paint daubs on these otherwise beautifully restored parts...just to achieve those last elusive points.

My sarcasm should be readily apparent.

 

What these judges think they know and what they don't know, that they should...would fill volumes. It's amazing to what level these folks take this minutia and stake their reputations on its validity. And, much like in academia, "bad data" just continues on its way down through the official documentation channels.

In general, these judges are trying to do the right thing and preserve what they believe to be an accurate representation of "factory configuration". In truth, the Corvette plants pretty much produced whatever the assemblers put together. With as many parts as were in the Corvette and the number of assembly operations/stations that were in operation, the Reliability Engineer in me estimates that, during a year's run of Corvettes (roughly 40,000), there were...in fact...a few of those vehicles which actually completely conformed to the build parameters at the time. Anyone who thinks that this assessment is totally bogus and way out of proportion has never worked for a large manufacturing/assembly operation, and certainly has not worked for General Motors in the 1970's-1980's (and beyond).

So when it goes to the extreme of what colored spots were on certain parts...and exactly what paint was used...and the manufacturer's paint mixture code...and exactly where on the part this was placed...AND that all the cars of that type must have that exact marking or deductions will be dispensed!!...

Hey, if you are into that sort of thing, more power to you. Enjoy the ride!

 

Yeah it's DEFINITELY silly.

I'm sitting here looking at what is probably the last set of NOS, still in the GM box spindles on the planet that I paid handsomely for and somehow taking an extra couple of minutes with a paint marker seems to appeal to my OCD... I think I'll try to heal and overcome it, and just spray them with a coat of SP-400 and put the car together and drive it.


Thanks for the reality check.

 

I was thinking ....
to be truly accurate you'd need to hire an almost underpaid union worker to assemble things for you ...

just a thought ...

Frank

 

I have seen paint daubs and inspector's marks, but nothing which appeared to have been dipped. Do you have the NCRS Judging and Specifications Guide for your model year?

 

I agree with you that as "researchers" of Corvettes, we have a lot to learn. I would hardly say that I stake my reputation on statements regarding these cars because, as you and I know, these were mass produced peices of machinery and there are going to be subtle differences between "Car A" and "Car B" regardless of the fact they were built on the same line. I try to speak in generalities about these cars for that very reason... "Typically" seems to be one of my favorite qualifiers. As researchers in this hobby, our job is to provide other restorers with information that is free from error. We do a pretty good job most of the time, but we're not perfect. The important thing is to not get caught up in currently accepted data and be willing to accept change when the research warrants it.

I worked in manufacturing and yes, there are certainly production line variances among products for all sorts of different reasons. Still, there are far more similarities than differences.

Only a few conformed completely to build parameters out of 40,000? OK, I'll buy that, but how many conformed 95%... Or 90%? The fact is that most cars will show a great number of similarities, especially on a small line like Corvette. The spindle marks are a good example. Did most Corvettes of the 1968-1972 era have them? Yes. Did they all have them? We can't say for certain, but the odds would point to at least some not receiving them. It is up to the restorer to document what is on their car and present it in a manner that best duplicates the original process.

Currently, no deductions are made for lack of spindle inspection marks in NCRS judging because we don't have a definitive idea of what the inspection process was or why the inspection marks were applied. It is up to the restorer to accurately reproduce what they find on their own car. Since the judges are not there when the restorer is documenting such things, the car (and owner) get full credit whether they are present or not.

Always!

Regards,

Stan Falenski

 

I just finished a frame-on, on my 1969 L71 convertible. The car was ordered out with no power options. The original owner liked to beat up kiddies on the streets with it. Pure warhorse, which hits home with me. I have a strong affinity for a car like this. So I decided I would treat it right, yet preserve some of the irrefutable evidence of the cars authenticity by not taking the body off the frame.

As for your spindles, I strongly recommend using Evap-O-Rust on the front end castings. It absolutely is a miracle formula. You won't believe it.
It will not harm the spindle in any way. I know, I've done it.



As for the inspection markings, there are those that refuse to believe anything they are told, even in the face of the facts. I found them all over this car (see photos below of original markings). I put them back the way I found them too.
I belong to the NCRS also. Two weeks after finishing this relatively rare car (L71 convertible with factory side exhaust, AM/FM Stereo, two tops, original drive train and build sheet) I now have 257 miles on it. In fact, I just now got back from running errands in it to the post office to ship out some of the incorrect parts I removed from it that are listed in the for-sale thread I have going here.
The wife and I are going out tonight in it, and if someone wants to try it on I'll grant their wish.
I put upwards of 1500 hours into this dude to make it look like the General just shipped it out, and I'm going to enjoy every minute of my meticulous sweat.

So for those that think the markings are a joke, putting them on is stupid, and no NCRS'er would do all that and then have the audacity to drive it, no, TO WHIP IT LIKE A STEP CHILD, shoot me an email grab your keys and I'll gladly line up next to you.

Mooncricket: If you need any friendly, recent, humble advice on anything about your wonderful piece of American/Chevrolet history, contact me anytime my friend.

Do it right or go home

 

Jet Jockey

The OP wanted to know about paint daubs. Period. They can be put on anytime and are absolutely not necessary to 99.999% finish a correct restoration. Without definitive information as to what and where, they are nothing more than an attempt, and a sloppy one at that, to impress some judge.

PS - Them blue seals on your u-joints are not correct. I switched mine for black...like the originals were when I took them off. You certainly do nice work though.

PSS- Are you really all that humble? Because having the ability to own and restore a car that is probably worth more than 99% of the rest of ours...you sure are shouting about it.

 

There we go again... "The blue seals are not correct..." even though the d@mn things are on a service wear replacement part. Minutia....

 

Mooncricket
Here are a couple of pictures of my very original April '69 spindle after light cleaning, before restoring. See any orange or white dips? I see remnants of a blue daub. Does the NCRS TIM & JG guide talk about that?






7T1vette
Sorry, I was not here for the last "blue seal" go around. Minutia indeed, but so are paint daubs...which are a lot easier to add or change.

 

Isn't it fun here when people grab the opportunity to bash and hate instead of just answering the question?

I've never seen an original spindle that looked like it was dipped either.

 

Blue paint is well documented. In fact, one of mine had a green inspection mark, the other one a blue.

The blue seal on the drive-shaft U-joints are not there any longer. Those were installed by the original owners son before I purchased the car.

You mistake me.
I proclaim to the world that one more old, beat, and tired soldier from the wars has been resurrected, and look forward to one day, seeing some other appreciative individual being able to enjoy it also . (heck, it might you who gets this dude next). Not that I have this or that.

I hope others are excited to see a unique Chevrolet produced car, special ordered by a man that appreciated horsepower at an unusual time in American automotive history, re-enter the world rather than rot and disappear forever, or get chopped up into some MSD/JEG/Mr. Gasket/Hurst after marketed run-of-the-mill hot-rod Corvette. I'm glad it lives again.

Nothing I have done is deserving of praise or glory or admiration. Everything I have, everything I've done and anything I am is due to God and His grace and His mercy. The life He has led me through gave me the skills to be able to rebuild a car, to fly an airplane, to raise a family. The means to help others financially, the ability to see that I am nothing without Him.

I am not perfect and since you misunderstood me I hope now you see my joy in another light. I also pray that you, as well as everyone else, know Christ and are able to enjoy the blessings and trials and growth that He can bring.

Dan

 

I sure wasn't bashing, so I hope you weren't referring to me.

By the way, you never bash anyone? Give me a break. Here is a copied quotation from one of your recent posts, a supposed know-it-all trying to portray himself as mister nice guy....

"If SG variations were as critical as this clown says, you'd have to rejet your car when switching from one brand of pump gas to another. There again, anyone can put a website to pretend that they're an 'expert'."

 

Dan
We are on the same page as far as correctly restoring and then driving these old "war horses." Your exhuberance just comes across as boasting. Sorry that I mistook it.
You also don't have to be concerned about my relationship with Jesus Christ, which is very personal and never in doubt. I just don't happen to believe that He cares about football (Tebow) or NHRA drag racing (Mike Edwards) or even flying fighter planes or restoring old vettes with all the money in the world.
I myself am a Viet Nam era enlisted vet that was in a Navy A4 squadron, my father was a disabled WWII enlisted pilot who flew fuel and supplies over The Hump to the Flying Tigers...so God Bless America and all those who have served.
Dennis

 

No- not you, your buddy with the blue car. I'm far from mister nice guy. I AM Mr. Nasty, at least 5 years running if not longer.

Yes- I bash, if it's on topic and I believe that the other poster must have affixed a pad lock to his posterior as it seems that the sh*t is flowing freely from the other end- as in the example you quoted. If you disagree with my opinion, please say so.

In the post at hand, the OP wanted to know if the spindles were/were not dip painted as per a popular restoration book. I don't remember any mention of the much hated four letter organization, or the OP asking if he should restore his car accurately or not. I wonder then why the conversation went (instantly) in that direction................