68 Manual Steering Box

[enio45]

Anyone have some detailed pics of a top level restoration of a manual steering box, 68 camaro. Working on one now and want to get all the finishes right, housing, cap, bolts, end plate, spanner nut steering shafts etc.

Thank you - if easier, PM me for an email :-)

[SS427]

Eddie, these photos are from a 70 Camaro and 70 Chevelle but basically the exact same unit as far as I know and the colors would be similar. The inspection marks were copied directly from the original boxes with no additions. Hope this helps you.
Rick

[enio45]

Thank you Rick...few quick questions pls...

spanner nut looks to be natural steel finish....correct?
My top cover for 68 is cast - so that will stay consistent with the housing,
My bolts are different - so have to check this out?
The pitman arm shaft - what is the intended finish for the large nut and lock washer?
How did you get the nice finish on the input steering shaft?

Appreciate your advise :-)

[SS427]

Correct on the natural finish on the spanner nut.
Cast iron top will be the same as the housing. I personally have only ever seen natural cast iron housings and not paint black but others argue that they were painted black.
Bolts are black phosphate (Parkerizing)
As for the pitman and stub shaft, I polished them with emery cloth and then use copper paint to replicate the copper plating. As for the nuts, I have seen them both black phosphate and a dark green color similar to what you see on the aspirator tubes.

Understand, these are what I have encountered over the years and are just opinions. Others may vary.

[enio45]

got it - many thanks for sharing your resto skills and experience!