Correct Finish For Judging

[Barry N.]

I am in the process of replacing the "A" Arms on my 1966 (vin 1056xx). The new control arms cross shaft has a zinc plated end bolt and large washer. The NCRS Technical Informational Manual and Judging Guide states (The lower"A" arm assemblies are painted gloss black as assemblies including cross shafts, bushings, washers and bolts. Is this correct and does it mean the large washer and the 9/16" bolt at the end of the cross shaft?

I am also looking for the correct finish for the front coil springs. Which coil is the ID tape placed on? The F41 front springs are supposed to be colored coded with dark green paint. (See table). I don,t see a table and would like to know what color green is this and how is it applied? The springs on my car are like a bare metal gray color.

[John H.]

Re: Correct Finish For Judging

I am in the process of replacing the "A" Arms on my 1966 (vin 1056xx). The new control arms cross shaft has a zinc plated end bolt and large washer. The NCRS Technical Informational Manual and Judging Guide states (The lower"A" arm assemblies are painted gloss black as assemblies including cross shafts, bushings, washers and bolts. Is this correct and does it mean the large washer and the 9/16" bolt at the end of the cross shaft?

Barry -

The entire control arm assembly (less the ball joint, which was installed at St. Louis) was painted gloss black at Chevrolet-Warren as a unit, including the cross shaft, bushings, washers, and bolts.

[Gary B.]

A-arms: gloss vs. semi-gloss black

Barry,

Even though the TIM&JG and John Hinckley state that the A-arms are gloss black, in my epxerieve in judging chassis on mid-years, many judges (correctly or not) will make a note or want to take a deduct if the A-arms are too glossy.

Some paint shops have a series of black paint chips with the gloss level indicated by percentages from 0 (totally flat) to 100% (high gloss). So when the JG says "gloss", what is that? 100%? 90%? 80%? Hard to say.

On my '66 I have aimed for a gloss level closer to semi-gloss. The gloss level on semi-gloss paint can be enhanced using most cleaner/wax products, so it can be tweaked up in gloss level after painting.

If, on the other hand, you start with gloss paint and the judges complain that it's too glossy, I don't know of an easy way to reduce the gloss level.

Gary
Northern California Chapter

[Jeff C.]

Re: Correct Finish For Judging

I have some NOS control arms for my 67 and it looks like they were dipped in paint - shows runs and drips... I purchased a few gallons of the GM reconditioning paint years ago - wonder if that would work well to paint the control arms (including the bushings, shaft, washers, etc.)?

[Steve L.]

Re: Correct Finish For Judging

I purchased a few gallons of the GM reconditioning paint years ago - wonder if that would work well to paint the control arms (including the bushings, shaft, washers, etc.)?

I have this reconditioning paint and put it on my A arms on top of DP90LF.
I thought the DP90 looked good but I find the GM paint too glossy.

Actually, I don't know if I would even call this stuff paint. It is extermely thin. If you put it on bare steel you would barely notice that it is there. I stopped using it. It almost looks like it is intended to freshen up an existing frame paint on a commodity type of car.