Correct finish and detail on 1969 small Block half shaft clarification.

[John M.]

I searched the archives regarding the 1969 half shaft finish on the 1969 small blocks. The consensus is that the half shaft was shot peened on the big block, and left natural steel on the small block with some heat bluing near the welds.

So question 1, is that if this bright finish seen below would be technically correct for the 1969 small block?

Quesion 2 is whether there was any stripes painted onto the half shaft similar to the color coding bands often seen on the drive shafts of the old GM A bodies? I've seen that done in photos but am doubting that's correct as they only had the (2) types.




I was simply going to sandblast and paint the half shafts a stainless steel paint and call it good.

But these are so pretty it's awfully hard to resist, but at $159 each, would like to make sure they're absolutely the correct finish.

Thanks

[Alan S.]

Re: Correct finish and detail on 1969 small Block half shaft clarification.

Hi John,
It sure looks pretty in the picture.
I'm unable to see the longitudinal extruding lines on the tube or any darkened area at the welds. Isn't there also talk that a 'seam' may be visible in the tubing? It could be that all are there and the picture doesn't show them.
If I may, where are they from?
Regards,
Alan

[John M.]

Re: Correct finish and detail on 1969 small Block half shaft clarification.

Bairs Corvette.

I guess I really can't expect a 100% correct reproduction as few parts truley are, but was more curious about the finish being correct.

They really do look much nicer than a sandblasted, painted part ever could.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Correct finish and detail on 1969 small Block half shaft clarification.

Bairs Corvette.

I guess I really can't expect a 100% correct reproduction as few parts truley are, but was more curious about the finish being correct.

They really do look much nicer than a sandblasted, painted part ever could.

Define "nicer."

I'd agree that the shaft itself appears shinier than I'd expect of a production piece. But, a very correct apperance can be obtained with the right combinatio of techniques. I'd suggest that you can make an original piece appear "more correct" (or you might say "nicer") than what is in the picture.

If you define "nicer" as "more shiny" then sandblasting would not get you there.

Patrick

[Gary B.]

Correct finish for half shafts

John,

I agree with a previous poster. I can't see the circumferential or longitudinal welds or the discoloration about the heat affected zone (HAZ). Do those shafts even have a longitudinal weld? If not, they could have been made from seamless (DOM) tubing, which is certainly not correct for mid-year cars.

Long Island Corvette used to sell new half shafts that have the proper looking welds in my opinion. So someone makes half shafts that look correct.

Gary
Northern California Chapter

[Gary B.]

PS to my last message: Long Island Corvette

I know LIC only markets parts for 63-67, but some items are the same for other years and maybe the SB half shafts are such a case. Why don't you call LIC and see if what they sell sounds correct. Their price is $140 each + S&H.

Gary