'66 rear suspension blackout

[Tony S.]

I'm helping on a March, '65 Trophy Blue convertible and we're wrapping up the chassis. I know that in '65 there is ample evidence that chassis blackout is evident on half shafts, strut rods and other rear suspension areas. What about '66? Do '66 cars have blackout paint and runs on rear half shafts and strut rods? Any insight from original cars would be helpful.

Happy holidays to all.
Tony

Here's an example of an original '65 half shaft. I'm wondering if this practice extended into '66?

[Don H.]

Re: '66 rear suspension blackout

Tony
here are some shots of half shafts and cross member of Apr 65 L79 Northern CAL car.

[Tony S.]

Re: '66 rear suspension blackout

Don. Thanks for the photos of your '65. They are very consistent with photos of other '65's, including my own, that I've seen. Very similar to Mark Francois's two '65's and photos that Marco Hartner has provided to me. I have never seen though the double parallel paint lines on a driver's side half shaft as shown in your last photo. Any idea why they were added? There is alot of evidence that the rear suspension received a fair amount of blackout paint on the tops of half shafts, strut rods and adjacent areas of the '65 chassis before body drop. I wish more restorers added this blackout to their restorations.

I'd sure like to get some original photos of '66 cars.

BTW, I see that you have the early type of rear differential carrier cushions.