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What colors are the tie rods, ends, and idler arm supposed to be?
Brad,
The center link, tie rod ends, tie rod sleeves, and idler arm were shipped to the St. Louis plant as an assembly. Prior to shipping, they were dipped (in bulk) into a tank of a black, asphalt based coating that was very similar to what the frames were painted with up until the early 1970's. Because they were dipped in bulk, some of the assemblies received complete coverage... Others less so.
As mentioned, the coating was asphalt based and was intended to keep the assembly rust free until delivery. Oil, fuel, and exposure to the elements quickly removed the coating.
If I recall correctly, the NCRS TIM&JG allows for either black or natural linkage... To account for the spotty application of the coating during the dipping process.