67 rag joint paint

[Stephen L.]

I am doing some details of my 67 BB. rag joint. Referencing the latest 7th edition judging guide, I found that if the steering box is natural, so is the rag joint assy. If the steering box is painted then the rag joint is also painted. On page 167 of the manual is a photo C 2-3 which appears to have a painted box and a partially painted coupler (box side) with the upper coupler flange (steering column side) appearing to be natural (very rusty) with natural nuts holding the joint together.

My steering box is painted black. Should the entire rag joint assembly also be painted black, including the fabric wafer, nuts, and upper flange, with only the 12 point bolt securing the flange to the steering column shaft remaining natural or black phosphate????

OR should the black paint "stop" at the lower flange, leaving the fabric wafer and upper flange and attaching nuts natural????

According to the AIM, the entire rag joint, including the steering column flange was supplied with the steering box and only the 12 point clamp bolt was installed at St Louis....

[Tony S.]

Re: 67 rag joint paint

Stephen, the inspection paint daubs and black paint was applied at Saganaw. As you correctly pointed out, the steering box and coupler were delivered as a unit to St. Louis. When the box was taken to the paint booth, the coupler was attached. The extent of black paint being applied to the coupler depended on the painter. Some couplers are fully covered. Some have only partial coverage. The point is, the box and coupler should be painted as a unit regardless of how much of the coupler you decide to paint.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 67 rag joint paint

Thanks Tony. I'll be a "good painter" and paint the joint and couplings entirely. It won't be "hangover Monday" or let's "go home Friday".....