'67 Small Block Steering Linkage Paint....

[Patrick T.]

The NCRS Judging Manual states that "the steering linkage is painted semigloss black as an assembly. The adjusting sleeves and sleeve clamps are also semigloss."

Does "painted as an assembly" mean that the rubber grease boots, black phosphate castle nuts and chrome cotter pins were also painted, or were they left off during the painting? Thanks, Patrick #33001

[Joe L.]

Re: '67 Small Block Steering Linkage Paint....

Patrick------

The steering linkage was delivered to St. Louis as an assembly from its point of manufacture at the Chevrolet-Buffalo plant (later Saginaw Division and, currently, American Axle and Manufacturing Co., a GM spin-off). The linkage was not actually painted, at all. It was "mitted" with an asphaltic paint similar to that used on the frames and then shipped on racks to the St. Louis assembly plant. The tie rod ends and, perhaps, the idler arm in whole or part, were covered with some sort of cap. This was likely a cardboard, tube-like cover which remained on the parts to protect them right up to when they were installed at St. Louis.

[Patrick T.]

Re: '67 Small Block Steering Linkage Paint....

Thanks Joe, I have all the new linkage put together and laid out, really looks good with a natural finish, too bad I'll have to paint it!