Author Topic: Steering Detailing Question  (Read 1884 times)

greekz

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Steering Detailing Question
« on: June 20, 2020, 07:02:17 PM »
While 1134 is at the painters I might as well clean and detail the steering components.  Not sure of the correct finish for tie rods, nuts, center link, adjusting sleeves, and clamps.  I am thinking all these components were phosphate and oil or natural steel, maybe a combination of both.  Hopefully, someone can give me the correct finish for these components.

Thanks,

Greek
SFM 6S1134  '67 GT-350 #2339

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J_Speegle

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Re: Steering Detailing Question
« Reply #2 on: June 20, 2020, 07:27:38 PM »
In addition to Marcus' article which will show most of the components would offer a little background to go with it. The cast parts were a heat treated oil quenched steel that produced a darker than just cast look, like found on an engine block, to the finished product. The darkness was dependent on how dirty the quenching oil was.

Using a tie rod as an example, after the part was made you had machining that produced a shinny fresh somewhat bright (especially compared to the darkened steel) finish in contrast. The back cap was a bare steel metal piece that was stamped so it has a different look/finish than the other two parts that make up most of the visible area of the a tie rod.

Center links, pittman and idler arms have a similar finish and machined areas, Restorers use many different processes to get to an acceptable reproduction of the original finish. Some use phosphate, some use gun blue repair fluid or other darkening fluids. Some will tumble, burnish in conjunction with one or more of the products.
 
Jeff Speegle- Mustang & Shelby detail collector, ConcoursMustang.com mentor :) and Judge

greekz

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SFM 6S1134  '67 GT-350 #2339

greekz

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Re: Steering Detailing Question
« Reply #4 on: June 20, 2020, 07:42:49 PM »
In addition to Marcus' article which will show most of the components would offer a little background to go with it. The cast parts were a heat treated oil quenched steel that produced a darker than just cast look, like found on an engine block, to the finished product. The darkness was dependent on how dirty the quenching oil was.

Using a tie rod as an example, after the part was made you had machining that produced a shinny fresh somewhat bright (especially compared to the darkened steel) finish in contrast. The back cap was a bare steel metal piece that was stamped so it has a different look/finish than the other two parts that make up most of the visible area of the a tie rod.

Center links, pittman and idler arms have a similar finish and machined areas, Restorers use many different processes to get to an acceptable reproduction of the original finish. Some use phosphate, some use gun blue repair fluid or other darkening fluids. Some will tumble, burnish in conjunction with one or more of the products.
 


Thank you Jeff for the expanded explanation.  It will be fun trying to duplicate the finishes.
SFM 6S1134  '67 GT-350 #2339

JD

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Re: Steering Detailing Question
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2020, 08:54:00 AM »

Thank you Jeff for the expanded explanation.  It will be fun trying to duplicate the finishes.

Yes - thanks Marcus and Jeff, great help.
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