64 Half and Drive Shafts

[Greg G.]

Quick question. Are the drive and half shafts on a 64, painted or natural finish?

Thanks

Greg

[Timothy B.]

Re: 64 Half and Drive Shafts

Greg,

I believe the correct answer to your question is yes.. As assembled the tubes and yokes are natural finish but the frame and suspension received a blackout spray before body drop that covered most of the driveshaft tubes. Most people restore them natural because it looks better.

[Alan D.]

Re: 64 Half and Drive Shafts

In addition (my understanding) the entire rear assembly (less spring) was all blackout before it was installed on frame. After the install it got another blackout hit as Tim mentions. The new JG, page 146, does mention that "Some original 1963 models may have the entire rear suspension assembly, including the half shafts and differential, painted semi-gloss black."

The 64's got the same treatment. Few pictures around showing such however if judged be ready to argue and show evidence of it.
Since going back later and making the rear black is a minor job you may want to go the bare route until the JG catches up - so work on the other details for now.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 64 Half and Drive Shafts

There have been past posts on this subject re: '64's. Here is a magazine photo from Motor Trend 1964 road test. Really messy black "stuff" partially applied (I hesitate to use the word MITT). Drips, runs everywhere.



c

[Paul J.]

Re: 64 Half and Drive Shafts

Greg, be careful about the terminology used in the above posts. What these guys are calling "blackout" is a black asphaltic coating sprayed on the front/rear suspension and other bare metal components. It was there for rust protection, not particularly for appearence. This is not the semi-gloss black paint used under the wheel wells and hood, which is called blackout.

Paul