Rear BB sway Bar Hardware

[Ralph B.]

What should the correct finish of the rear sway bar link bushing bolts be; natural or black phospate?

If I Interpret the JM correctly it indicates natural; however all the bolts available for that application from the major Corvette suppliers all appear to be black phospate or maybe even black oxide??

I appreciate your help,
Ralph

[Michael F.]

Re: Rear BB sway Bar Hardware

The bolts are black phosphate. The mounts etc.. seem to be a lighter parkerizing as far as non-oem replacements go.

[Mike B.]

Re: Rear BB sway Bar Hardware

Hello Ralph,

A very good question from you. I've also wondered why the '66 JG states natural steel when my '66 L-36 originals are black phosphate/oxide. I inherited numerous original hardware from a buddy's '66 L-72 coupe also. I guess the best way to help you is to list what I've found through the years by my careful notes.

I've found that '66 assembly manual pages don't always match (vendors), so I'll use the UPC listing and sheet number. Then I'll list the part numbers from that page by [ ]box number. This should help.

UPC L72, sheet D2 shows the [9]link [8]bushings held in place by [10]bolts. My original [10]bolts are 3/8-16 x 1 3/8", gr.5, "C", blk. phos./oxide. My buddy's originals are 3/8-16 x 1 1/2", gr.5, "RBW", blk. phos./oxide. These bolts are secured by [6]nuts. Mine/my buddy's are 3/8-16 x .220", blk. phos./oxide.

The [9]link and [14]plate are natural steel. The [7]bracket is semi-gloss black. This bracket's [11]bolts are 5/16-18 x 13/16", gr.5, "SEMS", recessed head, w/captive lock washer, blk. phos./oxide. My car #72xx wasn't using [13]lock washers since the bolt had them captive. The JG states these [11]bolts are cad./zinc. My original "SEMS" are definitely blk. phos./oxide.

Although you didn't ask, I figured I'd include the info on [2]bracket and [12]retainer. They are both semi-gloss black. They are secured by [3]screws which are 5/16-18 x 13/16", gr.2, "ANCHOR", recessed head, w/captive lock washer, cadmium.

Interesting note: [2]brackets and [3]screws are identical parts found on the front sway bar UPC 3, sheet A5 [6]brackets and [7]screws. Same parts found on my '65s front sway bar also.

This is what was original to my '66 Ralph. Hope this helps you.

Mike
'65 350hp
'66 390hp

[Rich P.]

Re: Rear BB sway Bar Hardware

Mike,

your 1 3/8" link grade 5 C bolt is the correct length. Your friends 1 1/2" RBW bolt is what was used on the axel caps for big blocks. The links and 1/2 shafts were put on in the same area and some workers could have just grabbed the bolts from the same bin on your friends car.

Rich

[Mike B.]

Re: Rear BB sway Bar Hardware

Hi Rich,

Yeah, my buddy's 4 bolts were in a baggy marked "rear sway bar", so I assume that's where they came from. Yes, I'm aware of the 3/8-16 x 1 1/2" "RBW" axle cap bolts. I've got quite a few and also ones with "A" headmarks. What's interesting here is that the cap bolts are all cadmium and my buddy's sway bar bolts are black phosphate/oxide.

So, when are you going to print a bolt/fastener book with descriptions and close-ups like you post on-line? There's plenty of guys like me who live for this stuff and would gladly buy one from you. Others have pondered on this idea. You'd be the right guy.

Mike