1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

[Richard G.]

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

That steering box was not painted like that from the factory or any GM plant. IF the box was painted at all it was the tar base blackout that was applied just before body drop.

JR

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Well the paint is certainly not the asphalt or tar based paint Joe spoke of. I will likely strip the box of the rest of the paint using paint stripper. Then finish the rebuild and use satin clear on the box and reinstall it.
Rick

[Joseph S.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Rick, If you painted that box on the frame, there would not be traces of paint on the mounting bosses. I believe that is Saginaw applied paint on your steering box.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

I agree with that observation, it very well could be the original black.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Maybe replacement steering boxes were painted but how can you explain the either yellow or green inspection marks on original boxes if they were painted. Justify that! And no they were not painted over the inspection marks.

JR

[Mark E.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Maybe replacement steering boxes were painted but how can you explain the either yellow or green inspection marks on original boxes if they were painted. Justify that! And no they were not painted over the inspection marks.

JR

Painted black after the box was assembled and inspected, then inspection marks added?

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Maybe replacement steering boxes were painted but how can you explain the either yellow or green inspection marks on original boxes if they were painted. Justify that! And no they were not painted over the inspection marks.

JR

Why would they not be painted over the inspection marks, the black may have the last step after the inspection.

I'm not saying this is the way it happened but for the 63 and 64 M/Y black painted chassis parts are often mentioned.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

No if the inspection marks are present they are under the black out!

The inspection marks go on after the box is set up properly.

If the inspection marks exist (either green or yellow) they are always observed on a bare non painted or partially blacked out steering box.

JR

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Then how come owners have mentioned black painted steering boxes on original cars in the past.

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Thanks to everyone that responded.
I went back and noticed the frame was indeed painted under where the box mounted. I am now assuming I painted the box some 30 years ago.
I also stripped the box and found what I thought was primer, of course GM never used that! So I stripped the box using paint stripper and then wire brushed the box. Then cleaned it and used Eastwood's Satin Clean. Pictures below;


I am planning on adding the inspection marks after it is assembled.
I really appreciated everyone's input on this.
Helps me sort things out and not over think the situation.
Rick

[Richard G.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Does anyone know what the correct finish for the large lock nut?

[Tony S.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

Joe and others are right. The steering boxes were painted at Saginaw with a low quality black paint. Mike Hanson once commented that the black steering box paint would peel off with a car wash water sprayer. It doesn't sound like you have factory paint on your steering box.

[Joe R.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

According to John Hinckley paint was not required at the Saginaw facility however some were painted. Those that were painted did not show an inspection mark because the paint was over the mark. Ones that were not painted show the inspection mark.
Apparently earlier ones 63-64 were less painted.
That would leave the door open to the restorer.
If you are going to get your Corvette judged you better contact your team leader for your year Corvette.

JR

[Michael W.]

Re: 1963 steering box color conundrum. With pictures

I went back and noticed the frame was indeed painted under where the box mounted.

The frame was painted prior to it being shipped to the assembly plant.