1964 Steering linkage finish

[Ed S.]

This is going to cause some head aches but I gotta ask. Regarding the finish of the steering linkage, page 191 of the 7th ed. JG states; "The clamps, relay rod, and rod ends are natural and unpainted. The adjusting sleeves are natural steel and the pitman arm is forged natural finish."

I have found numerous references in the NCRS Tech forum that state that the steering linkage assembly was manufactures at a Buffalo GM facility and most of it was coated with a black asphalt like material (not paint) before it was shipped to St. Louis where the tie rod ends, clamps and grease fittings were installed. Parts that were coated with the asphalt material include the adjusting sleeves, relay rod, and possibly part of the idler arm.

So, may I assume that the part of the JG that states the adjusting sleeves and relay rod are natural and unpainted is incorrect and presenting them in a natural unfinished state would result in a partial point deduction?

Next steering component finish question. Page 191 of the JG also states the idler arm should have a natural finish. Comments in this forum by respected members indicate that idler arms were part of the assembly manufactured and coated at the Buffalo GM factory - most references state that some of the idler arm but no more than half of it got coated with the asphalt material, a few members stated their original idler arms were completely coated black. That said, what finish would result no point deduction; all natural, partially blacked or completely blacked?

[Edward J.]

Re: 1964 Steering linkage finish

Ed, why not follow the judging guide on this, that way you will not receive a deduct during judging, As you say there are other judges and members here that have a different opinion( I am not saying there wrong), and some may not even deduct if it’s Black or natural. But for sure knowing what is spelled out in TJM is knowledge for your right to keep from getting points deducted.