1972 steering box

[Jeff W.]

I am getting ready to rebuild my steering box and the TIM is unclear on:
1. Is the cap painted black or is it left a natural finish?
2. It states that there is a "CM" stamped on it, what type of stamp and where is it located?
Thanks for the help.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 steering box

Jeff-----

The cover was painted black IF the rest of the box was also painted black. Some steering gear boxes were painted black; some were completely natural. By 1972, I think that many may have been natural. You should be able to tell if yours was originally painted or not by looking for some vestige of the paint. If it was ever painted, some evidence of that should remain.

I'm not sure about the "CM" stamp.

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1972 steering box

Thanks Joe

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 steering box

Jeff-----

By the way, you might want to take a series of photos of the steering box externals PRIOR to restoration. For example, if there is evidence of the box being originally painted, then you might want to document that fact with the photos. That way, if there is ever any question regarding the original finish of your box, you will have the proof. On the other hand, if there is no evidence of any original paint and evidence of the box never being painted (i.e. no paint, at all, to be found and/or surface corrosion generally affecting the whole external surface), then you want to document that, too.

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1972 steering box

Joe, I have taken the pictures and it does show that it was painted. Not sure about the cover though. Were the alum. covers painted black? Also, the M of the CM was there and I took a picture of that. The letter looked to be 3/8 wide by 1/2 high. Do you know if there is a stamp made for this?
Thanks for the help.
Jeff

[Joe L.]

Re: 1972 steering box

Jeff-----

When painted, the steering boxes were painted as an assembly; they were not, as far as I know, component painted. So, if the box was painted, the cover should be, too. Does the cover show no trace, at all, of paint?

I don't know of any source for the stamp. It would seem that a rubber stamp-making firm could make one to your specification.

[Jeff W.]

Re: 1972 steering box

The cover did not show paint, I have since painted it as I could not find any info to say otherwise (It would be easy enough to strip). I had thought about the stamp and I guess that is the way I will go.
Thanks Joe