1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

[Alan S.]

Does anyone know if the tie rod sleeves for the 68 are supposed to be semi-gloss or natural? The restorers guide I have for 68/69 has no mention of it.

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

Does anyone know if the tie rod sleeves for the 68 are supposed to be semi-gloss or natural? The restorers guide I have for 68/69 has no mention of it.

Alan------


They were actually neither natural nor painted semi-gloss black. The entire steering linkage assembly was manufactured at Chevrolet-Buffalo and there coated with a black, asphaltic material prior to shipment to St. Louis. The application was somewhat "haphazard" and "holidays" often exist. Parts not to be coated (such as ball studs) were covered with a cardboard tube that was removed at the assembly plant.

[Ralph P.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

What's the best way to duplicate this coating ?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

What's the best way to duplicate this coating ?

Ralph------


If it were me, I'd use a low gloss black to simulate it. However, as I mentioned, that will not be "technically correct".

Quanta sells or, at least, used to sell, an asphaltic frame coating. If it's still available, that would probably be close.

Another option (if you dare): you can purchase undercoating in spray cans at auto parts stores. I don't mean the really thick type that also serves as soundproofing, but the thinner type. I think this is VERY close to what was originally used. I'd never use it but if "as close as possible to original" is what one is after, this might fill the bill nicely.

[Ralph P.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

Thanks, Joe.... I'm assuming 63-67 would have the same....

[John H.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

I'm assuming 63-67 would have the same....

Ralph -

Yes, that's correct.

[Ralph P.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

Thanks, John !

[Grant W.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

Alan------


They were actually neither natural nor painted semi-gloss black. The entire steering linkage assembly was manufactured at Chevrolet-Buffalo and there coated with a black, asphaltic material prior to shipment to St. Louis. The application was somewhat "haphazard" and "holidays" often exist. Parts not to be coated (such as ball studs) were covered with a cardboard tube that was removed at the assembly plant.

Hi Joe
If the whole steering assembly is coated with the black asphaltic material.

Would the cardboard tube partially cover BOTH Ends of the edge of the sleeve along with the Clamp with nut and bolt.

Just the other day I was at Lordco auto parts and I saw a spray bomb of the thinner paint undercoating paint or Rocker panel spray you were referring to. Made by Sems. Cost was 30.00 a can. I passed on it but maybe I can find it in the states where it is cheaper.
Thanks, grant

[Joe L.]

Re: 1968 Tie Rod Sleeves

Hi Joe
If the whole steering assembly is coated with the black asphaltic material.

Would the cardboard tube partially cover BOTH Ends of the edge of the sleeve along with the Clamp with nut and bolt.

Just the other day I was at Lordco auto parts and I saw a spray bomb of the thinner paint undercoating paint or Rocker panel spray you were referring to. Made by Sems. Cost was 30.00 a can. I passed on it but maybe I can find it in the states where it is cheaper.
Thanks, grant

Grant-----


The cardboard tube only covered the ball studs---nothing else.

As far as the undercoat is concerned, I'm not familiar with the particular product you mentioned. However, it sounds about right. What one does NOT want to use is the "rubberized" undercoat. It's WAY too thick and nothing like what was originally used on the steering linkage (but very similar to what was used on the rear surface of the fender wells)