C3 A arms and Ball Joints

[Bill B.]

Getting ready to paint the A arms on my 72 before riveting the ball joints on. I know they are supposed to be more glossy than the frame, but not a full gloss. If the frame was, say 60% gloss, would the A arms be, say 75%?

Also, got some ball joints from a friend who happened to have some and they are black on top (see attached). I seem to remember thinking they should be more of a natural finish. Should I be removing the black before installing?

Thanks,
Bill Becker

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 A arms and Ball Joints

The arms are usually quite glossy, but looking at eBay ads for restored arms shows some that are REALLY glossy, more than they had originally.

The ball joint might have the correct finish under that black paint, but you'd have to strip it to find out.

[Tracy C.]

Re: C3 A arms and Ball Joints

The ball joints should be natural steel not black. If that is paint then paint stripper like Captain Lee's will cut it. If it is black oxide, then rub some muratic acid on it to cut it back to the steel finish. Then neutralize with some baking soda and water. Then put a coat of grease on the surface to prevent rusting.