69 Steering Linkage Finish

[Jack O.]

Sorry, correct finish for a 69 power steering linkage is probably an often asked question but my searches did not yield clear direction and the TIMJG does not specify paint/finish. Regarding the power steering linkage for a '69, are the tie rods, sleeves,. relay rod, etc painted or natural? I've removed all paint from my relay rod and it has no evidence of rust so I tend to believe it must of been painted. I founded details regarding C2's but not for a 69.

Thanks,

Jack

[Terry M.]

Re: 69 Steering Linkage Finish

Sorry, correct finish for a 69 power steering linkage is probably an often asked question but my searches did not yield clear direction and the TIMJG does not specify paint/finish. Regarding the power steering linkage for a '69, are the tie rods, sleeves,. relay rod, etc painted or natural? I've removed all paint from my relay rod and it has no evidence of rust so I tend to believe it must of been painted. I founded details regarding C2's but not for a 69.

Thanks,

Jack

Jack
The steering linkage you itemized was coated with a material much like cosmoline at the Saginaw plant that produced those parts.. That is not exactly paint. One has to be of a certain age to know what that means. It is a heavy dark coating the purpose of which is to prevent rust of the parts to which it was applied. It also clings tenaciously to the parts, but is soluble in gasoline or other refined petroleum product.

John Hinckley, who was at St Louis until 1969 talks about how many pairs of gloves the workers doing the toe settings went through due to that coating.

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 Steering Linkage Finish

Jack
The steering linkage you itemized was coated with a material much like cosmoline at the Saginaw plant that produced those parts.. That is not exactly paint. One has to be of a certain age to know what that means. It is a heavy dark coating the purpose of which is to prevent rust of the parts to which it was applied. It also clings tenaciously to the parts, but is soluble in gasoline or other refined petroleum product.

John Hinckley, who was at St Louis until 1969 talks about how many pairs of gloves the workers doing the toe settings went through due to that coating.

Terry-------


Yes, the entire steering linkage was assembled at Chevrolet-Buffalo and coated with the material you described. Tie rod ends and other "interacting" components were covered with cardboard tubes.