68 front spindle colors

[John D.]

Can anyone shed some light on the proper color for the spindle assembly for an early 68? I know the caliper mount is zinc, but the judging guide is not specific to the main spindle and the cross bar that the tie-rod hooks to. I have seen the main spindle on some 67s painted all chevy orange and another cast blast with orange ends. The horizontal piece was cast blast on both.

Mine were quite rusty and I could not determine the paint scheme. Any idea what the early 68's were painted, or left natural?

Thanks.

John D.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 front spindle colors

John-----

The steering knuckles were natural forged finish. Often, a daub of orange paint will be seen on the lower end where the ball stud attaches to the knuckle. Sometimes, there is a daub of orange paint on the upper end where the ball stud attaches. Also, there may be a daub of off-white paint somewhere on the mid-section of the piece. Otherwise, though, they are natural finish. They were never painted overall.

The steering arm (the horizontal piece) was natural, as forged finish.

Incidentally, the 68 steering knucles, GM #3924384, were unique-to-68 pieces. They use the "small" spindle (and bearing size) used for 63-67, but also use the 1/2" bolt size for attachment of the steering arm like 69 to 82. 1963-67 Corvette steering knuckles used 7/16" bolt size for steering arm attachment.

The 1968 steering arms, GM #3933081 and GM #3933082, are also unique-to-68 pieces. They, of course, have the 1/2" holes for attachment to the steering knuckle. They are otherwise similar to the 63-67 arms and, like the 63-67 arms, are quite "fragile" and don't take well to hitting pot holes or curbs, often bending to one degree or another. The 69+ arms can be used to replace the 68 arms for SERVICE.