Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

[Marc B.]

Hello all

Need a hand on the finishes for the steering box & pitman arm of an early 1972 LT-1 (built date August 71) ? 4th edition Judging manual (green cover) mentions natural finish for early cars & semi-gloss black for lete cars but makes no distinction between the 3 years (1970, 1971 & 1972)

So far I've come un with semi-gloss black for the steering box & natural (unpainted) for the pitman arm. Am I right ?

Chassis is in the reassembly stage of this full frame-off restoration of my LT-1...

Thanks for the help, much appreciated

[Kurt G.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

My September 13, 1971 built coupe has natural finish on both. You might also re-read the TIM&JG carefully. I think the mention of late cars being black refers to late '72's

[James B.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

What is the definition of "late '72's"? I have a January 31, 1972 production Corvette. Is this considered late?

[Kurt G.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

I'm just guessing here. I'm sure Terry McManamon or Dick Whittington could be more exact. With model year production beginning in August anything built May 1 or later would probably be considered a late production car.

[Ron G.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

After all the Bowtie and Survivor cars I have judged and observed over the last 40 years, there seems to be no consistant finish whether it is painted black or natural. Have seen them both ways on all 3 years and at this time I don't believe there is a right or wrong. Just as long as it is either one of the two aformentioned finishes. FYI-The pitman arm should be natural.

[James B.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

Ron,

Based on your observation, does the black/natural finish inconsistency also apply to late 1972 models?

Jim

[Ron G.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

Yes James it does. Also, I would go as far to say that the majority of all 72's are painted black.

[James B.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

Good info. Thanks Ron!

Hmmm.......now where did I put that can of black spray paint???

[Ron G.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

FYI - It was dipped, not sprayed.

[Tom L.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

Hey James, One addition to early vs. late production is "January 1st 1972". Apparently there were several federally mandated safety changes made. For example an early '72 (Mine is and Oct '72 build) rear view mirror has a polished stailess back (Facing on-comming traffic). Apparently the Feds thought that the glare to on-comming cars was a problem. "Late" '72's have a black back. This may or may not help.

On another note, I hope the box arrives safely. Been to busy preparting for the trip to Carlisle tomorrow. Keeep in touch.

[Marc B.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

Many thanks to all for the info. My car is an August 71 built (3rd week production, very early LT-1 convertible) and the steering box is still showing black original paint. We'll restore as original & go with a black box as I believe it came out like this, pitman arm will remain natural.

Also a busy evening over here preparing for Carlisle early leave tomorrow morning...

[James B.]

Re: Restoration: Steering Box / Pitman arm finishes ?

Hey James, One addition to early vs. late production is "January 1st 1972". Apparently there were several federally mandated safety changes made. For example an early '72 (Mine is and Oct '72 build) rear view mirror has a polished stailess back (Facing on-comming traffic). Apparently the Feds thought that the glare to on-comming cars was a problem. "Late" '72's have a black back. This may or may not help.

On another note, I hope the box arrives safely. Been to busy preparting for the trip to Carlisle tomorrow. Keeep in touch.

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the "late '72" info and hope you and Lynn have a great time at Carlisle.


James