63 suspension paint finishes

[Kevin H.]

I am looking to find what finish is on certain parts (painted or natural)on the suspension of a early 63. I also am wondering on natural metal finishes is it recommended to put a clear coat, or the "metal finish " paint on them.
Specifically these parts are what I am having trouble finding the correct finish

FRONT END:
steering knuckles
stabilizer and its brackets
cross shafts
steering box and coupling
relay rod
tie rod

REAR END
strut rods
spindle support
strut rod shaft
axle driveshaft
driveshaft
differential
parking brake cables and equalizer assembly

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Rick A.]

Re: 63 suspension paint finishes

do you have a TIM&JG and the shop manual? seem to remember all of these being in one or the other or both

[Don Y.]

Re: 63 suspension paint finishes

The chassis restoration book by Joe Tripoli is also an excellent source of chassis component finish information.

[Kevin H.]

Re: 63 suspension paint finishes

Thanks for the post. I have both, but am finding inconsistant information between them. For example one says the front springs are not painted, the other says they are black. I think the common answer on the steering knuckles and linkages is bare metal, I just am not sure if I should put some type of clear or the quanta paint that resembles bare metal for rust avoidance. I don't have the chassis restoration manual though, so I may get it. Thanks everyone for their help

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 suspension paint finishes

Kevin,

There has been discussion about suspension finishes on 63/64 corvettes. Most of the parts you refer to are natural cast/steel etc. There still may be a picture in the archives that shows how the black out was applied to 63 and 64 rear suspension which covered most of this. It was discussed that this process stopped for 1965 because of the need for clean disc brake rotors. Check archives for the post because it was a few months ago. Tim