Control Arm Shaft Finish - Black or Natural or Either?

[Stuart K.]

I am in the process of restoring my 1970 L46 Convertible. I ordered the 5th edition of the 70-72 restoration and judging manual and it seems to me that while the upper and lower control arms (the triangle part) are finished in black, the shafts can be either natural finish or black.

Looking for direction on this because the parts are already blasted and I'm ready to paint!

[Joe L.]

Re: Control Arm Shaft Finish - Black or Natural or Either?

I am in the process of restoring my 1970 L46 Convertible. I ordered the 5th edition of the 70-72 restoration and judging manual and it seems to me that while the upper and lower control arms (the triangle part) are finished in black, the shafts can be either natural finish or black.

Looking for direction on this because the parts are already blasted and I'm ready to paint!

Stuart------


The JG is correct------they can be either natural or black. Assuming that yours have never been out of the car, you should have carefully examined them prior to blasting to see if there was any vestige of paint remaining. Now, you'll never know.

[Joe R.]

Re: Control Arm Shaft Finish - Black or Natural or Either?

Stuart------


The JG is correct------they can be either natural or black. Assuming that yours have never been out of the car, you should have carefully examined them prior to blasting to see if there was any vestige of paint remaining. Now, you'll never know.

That's a word to the wise from the wise. Always document everything on your Corvette BEFORE the repair or restoration begins. When you say restoration that means to repair or replace just like it was when delivered from the dealer or GM. When restoring for judging it's nice when a judge questions your restoration and you have pictures before it was restored and was original.
Very good advice to any NCRS member or Corvette owner.

JR

[Stuart K.]

[Patrick H.]

Re: Control Arm Shaft Finish - Black or Natural or Either?

If your control arm has a black shaft, then the large washers/bolts/lock washers (and bushings) on the ends will also be painted black.

If your control arm is natural, then the large washers/bolts/lock washers will not be painted.

Paint on these parts is “all or none.”

Of note, I recently saw an unrestored car which had one side painted black, and one side not painted.

[Edward J.]

Re: Control Arm Shaft Finish - Black or Natural or Either?

I have always wondered why the would the manufacturers go through the trouble of some being painted completely and some not ?? I am sure someone has documented it for the JM.