repost 59 suspension

[Robert D.]

sorry didnt get any responses can someone help please
I'm a little no i'd have to say very confused. in the TIM&JG it says numerous parts of the front suspension, steering, and there fasteners are supposed to be unpainted with various inspection marks of various colors page 77 and nothing about painting over them with black paint. In Noland Adams book page 224 there is an explaination and pic of a 58 with everything painted semi-gloss black. my questions are:
1. what is correct for the FINAL finish black or natrual for a 59
2. i suppose since the inspection marks tend to be a big deal the finish is natrual if it was painted black they woud just be covered up.
3. the original parts on mine were heavily undercoated but seemed to be unpainted
as much input as possible would be appreciated to clear this up for me
thanx
bob

[John H.]

Re: repost 59 suspension

Bob -

There isn't universal agreement on this, but originally, the knuckle ("support - steering knuckle"), the spindle ("steering knuckle"), and the steering arm ("steering knuckle arm") were unpainted, natural forgings; the rest of the front suspension was painted semi-gloss black at Detroit Gear & Axle before the knuckle, spindle, and steering arm were assembled. There's an excellent article in the May, 2001 issue of "Vette Vues" by Ken Kayser that shows all the original drawings with all the notes for painted inspection markings.

[Dennis C.]

Re: repost 59 suspension

Bob, I agree with John. I think some confusion exists because Noland states in his book that, after assembly, the whole front suspension was painted black. I do not suscribe to this viewpoint. I belive most of the components were dip painted prior to assembly - except at least those pointed out by John. Additionally, I don't believe any of the assembly fasteners were painted.