70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

[James S.]

any tips on getting rusty drive shafts back to like new condition.

[Paul O.]

Re: 70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

James

They only way I know of is to re-tube the shaft.

[Mike F.]

Re: 70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

Surface rust or extreme pitted rust? You could try soaking it in evaporust few a few days.

[James S.]

Re: 70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

They will clean up. But they will not look like what the tech book calls for. I've been told to shot peen them and it will pass judging. As far as the seam line it cannot be seen. They are not pitted mainly surface rust. But the main shaft and half shafts have traces of black paint. Just don't know what way to go with them.

[Paul O.]

Re: 70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

James

Yes the LT-1 half shafts were shot peened which gives them a different look then the drive-shaft. Both shafts should have zero black paint on them the only paint should be alignment and inspection markings. The drive-shaft would have longitudinal lines from being extruded with a weld line. The half-shafts tubes were the same except for big blocks and LT-1 were shop peend changing there appearance it maybe possible to see the weld line but not always. The peening process gave them a textured not smooth finish.

[James S.]

Re: 70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

Thanks for all the info. My main shaft I think is a replacement being it has a driveshaft repair shop sticker on it. I know the half shafts are OE. I've not taken the paint off the main shaft but I'm sure it still would not be right but I'm going to see what's going on under the paint that's left there. If its a no go I will order a new main shaft. Can someone send pics of alignment and inspection marks on the shafts that would be a big help. Jim Steele

[Paul O.]

Re: 70 LT1 Rusty Drive Shafts

James send me your email address so I send the photos that you need. Limited space on the board for multiple photos.