C2 Half Shaft Refinishing.

[Richard G.]

A couple years ago I refinished my half-shafts.
Now I thought I would attempt to get them closer to the factory look by replacing the U-Joints with GM parts, without the grease fittings this time.
While I have them out I thought I would also attempt to get the tubing closer to the factory finish. I am not planing replacing them with new NCRS style shafts. They are really nice condition but I thought I would give it another try, we are never done are we?
Pictured below it what the shafts look like now. As you can see I just polished them on my lathe. I didn't use any tooling on them.




I did use some bluing where the welds were. I thought it was a nice touch. Judges likely didn't see the humor as I did. <LOL>

1. I thought I would clean them again and TIG around the welds to change the color. Didn't plan on adding any material just heating them enough to change color of the ends.
2. Any thoughts about adding lines in the tubing's long direction to replicate the tubing drawing lines?

Any other ideas on how to improve the finish and look of the originals would be appreciated.
Thanks
Rick

[Gary R.]

Re: C2 Half Shaft Refinishing.

Looks good Rick.
I am curious on what you have for a lathe, I see a taper attachment but it doesn't look like a South Bend type.

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 Half Shaft Refinishing.

The Lathe is a Myford.
Typically I clean it up daily and definitely before and pictures.
Didn't think I would be posting them.
I made the blanks that replace the joints so I could turn the shafts.
Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Half Shaft Refinishing.

Rick-------


I note that your shafts are equipped with the original 1963 u-joint flanges, GM #3832048. These were of cast iron material. These are OK for a correct 1963 restoration for a car that sees little driving and not driven hard. For anything else I'd be quite uncomfortable with them. For 1964 (and maybe even late 1963) GM replaced these with a forged steel version of GM #3843018. They did not do this because the cast iron version was just as good. As I mentioned recently in another response, ever see what happens when a u-joint flange fails catastrophically?

[Richard G.]

Re: C2 Half Shaft Refinishing.

Joe;
Yes the flanges are correct for the 63. I drive it conservatively because of them. One side was original when I purchased the car. It had roughly 100K on it before the restoration.
I replaced the other cast steel flange with a 63 part. I thought was sintered iron. If I ever decide to drive the car full time I will replace them.
It likely helps the car is on stock tires. Most Harleys have wider tires on them now days.
Rick