74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

[Victor S.]

Godd Day All!

I'm rebuilding my front suspension using all GM NOS ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings etc. - just one question...

My lower control arms on the 454 were natural on one side and painted black on the other side - looks like if incorrectly painted it was done long ago. I know the Judging manual says the arms are semi-gloss black but is the shaft natural are painted?? - looks like factory semi-gloss spray on one side and natural finish (no paint) on the other side but wanted to be sure if I need to remove it or not.

Thanks,

Vic

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

Godd Day All!

I'm rebuilding my front suspension using all GM NOS ball joints, tie rod ends, bushings etc. - just one question...

My lower control arms on the 454 were natural on one side and painted black on the other side - looks like if incorrectly painted it was done long ago. I know the Judging manual says the arms are semi-gloss black but is the shaft natural are painted?? - looks like factory semi-gloss spray on one side and natural finish (no paint) on the other side but wanted to be sure if I need to remove it or not.

Thanks,

Vic

Vic------

It's very possible that it originally came exactly as you found it. Various side-to-side differences for front control arms have been noted.

The only other possibility that I see is that the side with the bare steel shaft had the shaft replaced at some point. SERVICE shafts from GM were always natural steel. I kind of doubt this, though, unless the car suffered collision damage at some point.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

As Joe mentions this is not unexpected.

You will likely find that the one with the black shaft may also have the hardware on the ends (bolt/lock washer/large washer) painted black too.

[Victor S.]

Re: 74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

Thanks guys - much appreciated!!

[James G.]

Re: 74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

On Corvettes were the shafts attached to the Control ARMS prior to the ARMS being PAINTED?

I ask because many other Chevrolet Vehicles have their cross shafts, bushings, Washers and bolts painted as part of the control arm assembly* -*which encompasses the Control Arms as well as the cross shaft bushings, bolts and washers.

[Joe L.]

Re: 74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

On Corvettes were the shafts attached to the Control ARMS prior to the ARMS being PAINTED?

I ask because many other Chevrolet Vehicles have their cross shafts, bushings, Washers and bolts painted as part of the control arm assembly* -*which encompasses the Control Arms as well as the cross shaft bushings, bolts and washers.

James-----


For Corvettes, some were, some were not.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 74 BB - Lower Control Arm Shafts

James-----


For Corvettes, some were, some were not.

And, it's not clear if they were painted once (same point on control arms as well as shafts) or twice (control arms painted, then shafts and hardware painted later).

It appears - to me - that when I see paint on the shafts and hardware it's not as glossy or thick as the usual paint on the control arms. Other opinions may differ.

PH