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steering box


Sam (Bones)

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does anyone know the factory finish for the steering box, sway bars (front and rear)

 

does anyone have any pictures of under the car and under the hood of a stock monte so I can see how they came from GM (mainly the finishes of them)

 

thanx

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The finish for the steering box and the front sway bar is natural cast iron gray. For the rear sway bar it's semi-gloss black. And for future reference here's some other finishes:

 

Underhood Detailing:

  • Frame and upper/lower control arms and upper shafts = semi-gloss black
  • Front coil springs = gloss black or natural (better detail contrast)
  • Firewall, inner fenders, radiator support = semi-gloss black
  • Radiator and fan = gloss black
  • Fan clutch = natural aluminum
  • Radiator shroud = natural black plastic or gloss black
  • Steering box = natural cast iron gray
  • Steering linkage = natural steel
  • Front sway bar = natural cast iron gray
  • Heater or AC housing = semigloss black
  • Hood hinges, latch, catch and springs = gray phosphate plated
  • Brackets and steel pulleys = semi-gloss or gloss black (gloss gives more detail contrast)
  • Cast iron pulleys = natural cast iron
  • Master cylinder = natural cast iron (some use gloss black)
  • Brake booster = gold cadmium plated (master cylinder lid also)
  • Windshield wiper motor = gloss black
  • Alternator = natural aluminum
  • Power steering pump = gloss black
  • AC compressor = semi-gloss black
  • Steering column shaft = natural steel
  • Horns = gloss black
  • Coil = gloss black
  • Voltage regulator = gloss black
  • Distributor = natural aluminum with gloss black cap
  • Fuel and brake lines = natural steel

Undercarriage Details:

  • Transmission = natural aluminum
  • Bellhousing = natural aluminum
  • Transmission support = semi-gloss black
  • Driveshaft = natural steel
  • Rear axle = semi-gloss black
  • Rear swaybar = semi-gloss black
  • Rear coil springs = gloss black
  • Rear control arms = semi-gloss black
  • Gas tank = natural steel (shiny)
  • Gas tank straps = gloss black
  • Parking brake cables = natural steel

 

~ Nate

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I should point out that this is an approximate guide. Some variances did occur from plant to plant, but this list was taken from an GM "A" Body concours judge.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Sam,

 

In the photos I sent you, the center section of the rear axle is natural cast and the axle tubes are painted semi-gloss black. This is one of those situations where I believe the assembly plant played a role as to whether the entire assembly was painted or just the axle tubes got painted. I've seen more rear ends painted entirely black, but I don't think one is "more correct" than the other. One thing for certain, painting the tubes black and leaving the ends and housing natural sure looks good because of the contrast.

 

rearend24vm.jpg

 

If you do decide to go with the 'natural' look, I'd recommend Eastwood Spray Gray or Eastwood Cast Gray. Cast Gray was used on the rear shown above. As for the cover, I see alot of chrome covers, but it should be the same color as the housing.

 

I recently read a debate on the Chevelles.com forum as to whether rear drums were supposed to be left natural or painted semi-gloss black. I think they're still arguing about it because some were painted and some ... just weren't. No real rhyme or reason except there's a theory that cars going to the west coast or southwest seem to have been left natural. Maybe GM was saving a buck by not painting certain assemblies because they considered rust to be an non-issue?

 

- Nate

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