painting 69 upper and lower control arms

[Greg L.]

Does anyone know if these arms were dipped or sprayed and which direction the paint runs would be. Thanks.

Greg

[D S.]

Re: painting 69 upper and lower control arms

When I glass blasted mine there was evidence of runs indicating they had been dipped but I couldn't tell which way the paint runs ran. I brush painted mine with POR-15 semi-gloss and they came out as nice as dipped. My experience is that spray paints are thinner and tend to chip easier.

[Dennis D.]

Re: painting 69 upper and lower control arms

I've seen GM service replacement pieces that were dipped and had no paint at all from the ball joint to the tip. Suggesting that they were suspended from the balljoint end, dipped to the balljoint, and hung to dry in that position.

[D S.]

Re: painting 69 upper and lower control arms

I don't know what kind of paint GM used back then but it had to have been an early version of POR-15. I've glass blasted lots of Corvette metal parts and had a devil of a time getting it all off. I only painted the control arms....no bolts, washers, etc. I sprayed those with satin clear coat.

[Greg L.]

Re: painting 69 upper and lower control arms

Thanks guys,
I know that towards the end of production the ball joint end was unpainted but for sure in 69 the whole arm was painted. Maybe towards the end, the balljoint was installed before it was dipped and that is why the end never was painted in later years. With this in mind it might be safe to assume that in 69 the arm was hung from the ball joint end also.... Any other thoughts on this?

[John H.]

Re: painting 69 upper and lower control arms

Greg -

The upper and lower control arm assemblies were manufactured (and painted) at Chevrolet-Warren, and were rack-hung from the ball joint hole; the ball joints were riveted on at St. Louis.

[Greg L.]

Re: painting 69 upper and lower control arms

Thanks guys for all of your replies. They'll get a GOOD shot of paint while hanging pointy end up.