SAAC Forum

The Cars => 1969-1970 Shelby GT350/500 => Topic started by: SChatman on May 11, 2019, 11:50:13 PM

Title: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: SChatman on May 11, 2019, 11:50:13 PM
Any thoughts on restoring the look of the aluminum kick down rod for the automatic transmission in my 69 GT350?
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: Bob Gaines on May 12, 2019, 12:37:58 AM
Quote from: SChatman on May 11, 2019, 11:50:13 PM
Any thoughts on restoring the look of the aluminum kick down rod for the automatic transmission in my 69 GT350?
The one that came from the factory is steel not aluminum . It should be zinc Dichromate plated.
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: SChatman on May 12, 2019, 11:23:16 PM
Thank you Bob, I thought it was Aluminum. I should have realized it was too heavy and had to be steel. Any suggestions on refinishing? I checked Eastwood and they just list zinc plating or zinc phosphate. Also, replacing the bushings at each end of the linkage?
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: J_Speegle on May 12, 2019, 11:46:40 PM
Quote from: SChatman on May 12, 2019, 11:23:16 PM
Thank you Bob, I thought it was Aluminum. I should have realized it was too heavy and had to be steel. Any suggestions on refinishing? I checked Eastwood and they just list zinc plating or zinc phosphate. Also, replacing the bushings at each end of the linkage?

Your not going a do it yourself kit for zinc dichromate. If you do the vast majority of us would recommend against it. Chemicals will possibly (not a doctor or play one any longer) shorten your life span so you might consider just sending it to a plating company
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: Bob Gaines on May 13, 2019, 12:05:51 AM
Quote from: SChatman on May 12, 2019, 11:23:16 PM
Thank you Bob, I thought it was Aluminum. I should have realized it was too heavy and had to be steel. Any suggestions on refinishing? I checked Eastwood and they just list zinc plating or zinc phosphate. Also, replacing the bushings at each end of the linkage?
It can be done but not with a eastwood kit. A home plating is not economically feasible for one part. The tank needed to dip the part in has to be quite large and full of expensive chemical. A better suggestion would be to have it done commercially.
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: shelbymann1970 on May 13, 2019, 08:01:08 AM
Quote from: SChatman on May 12, 2019, 11:23:16 PM
Thank you Bob, I thought it was Aluminum. I should have realized it was too heavy and had to be steel. Any suggestions on refinishing? I checked Eastwood and they just list zinc plating or zinc phosphate. Also, replacing the bushings at each end of the linkage?
check around depending on where you live. It isn't that expensive and usually bulk. So get a few parts together that you want plated. nuts, Bolts, alt fans, some pulleys, etc as it is one price usually and what ever they can fit in their cage. At least that has been my experience. Gary
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: J_Speegle on May 13, 2019, 02:11:37 PM
Quote from: shelbymann1970 on May 13, 2019, 08:01:08 AM
check around depending on where you live. It isn't that expensive and usually bulk. So get a few parts together that you want plated. nuts, Bolts, alt fans, some pulleys, etc as it is one price usually and what ever they can fit in their cage. At least that has been my experience. Gary

In addition you can do multiples then picked the ones that turn out the best and sell the other freshly plated ones to others than don't want to go through the hassle or plate multiple items.   Might just pay for it all that way or at least make a good dent in the overall cost

Just something that has worked for others in these situations
Title: Re: 69 GT350 Automatic kick down linkage
Post by: SChatman on May 13, 2019, 09:11:15 PM
Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.