I'm trying to determine if the rear springs in 53-55 were painted black before or after the stainless steel bands were installed. I tend to believe the answer is "after" after reviewing photos in Noland's books. Does anyone know for sure?
In studying the photos (with a magnifying glass) I tried to pay attention to which were of someone's restoration project, vs. factory, vs. GM post assembly photos. If you have the time and interest you might want follow my trail and look at photos on the following listed pages and see what you think:
Noland's Restoration & Technical Guide Vol 1
Some of the higher page numbers are not 53-55 but still straight axles with the same Eaton spring supplier. It is quite likely however that the painting scheme and timing changed over the years.
53-55 photos
43 unpainted but a restored chassis which may well not be correct
45 painted
47 painted
73 painted
134 not sure
135 not sure
later straight axles
189 unpainted but this is apparently a '57 heavy duty suspension spring
222 painted
223 painted
329 painted
Noland's American Legend Vol 1
160 painted
162 painted
221 painted
222 painted
Noland's American Legend Vol 2
25 & 26 unpainted but this was a pre-production '54 mock up (note painted stabilizer links and other variances)
Another detail I concluded from the photos, the 56-57 AIM, and ST 12 drawings that the clamp for the banding is on the "top" side of the spring and the opening in the rubber lining under the band is on the bottom side.
I suppose its possible the springs were painted before assembly too and shot again before they went out the door to cover all the chips and scrapes that occurred during assembly. That way they'd look nice for the inspector.
In studying the photos (with a magnifying glass) I tried to pay attention to which were of someone's restoration project, vs. factory, vs. GM post assembly photos. If you have the time and interest you might want follow my trail and look at photos on the following listed pages and see what you think:
Noland's Restoration & Technical Guide Vol 1
Some of the higher page numbers are not 53-55 but still straight axles with the same Eaton spring supplier. It is quite likely however that the painting scheme and timing changed over the years.
53-55 photos
43 unpainted but a restored chassis which may well not be correct
45 painted
47 painted
73 painted
134 not sure
135 not sure
later straight axles
189 unpainted but this is apparently a '57 heavy duty suspension spring
222 painted
223 painted
329 painted
Noland's American Legend Vol 1
160 painted
162 painted
221 painted
222 painted
Noland's American Legend Vol 2
25 & 26 unpainted but this was a pre-production '54 mock up (note painted stabilizer links and other variances)
Another detail I concluded from the photos, the 56-57 AIM, and ST 12 drawings that the clamp for the banding is on the "top" side of the spring and the opening in the rubber lining under the band is on the bottom side.
I suppose its possible the springs were painted before assembly too and shot again before they went out the door to cover all the chips and scrapes that occurred during assembly. That way they'd look nice for the inspector.