A discussion on the SAAC site lead me to investigate the finish details of the Ford top loader control box ("shifter") and the linkage in order to prepare the finishes correctly.
I was asked to repeat that here. The post at SAAC was for verification of the finishes.
Please note that my intent was to describe the 67 Mustang/Shelby shifter assembly, but many of the details here could apply to other years, hence its placement in this section.
The 60-68 MPC has the best pictures and details of the various pieces so I'll attach a pic in order to reference those pieces by number where possible.
The control box:
* All of the thick, stamped steel pieces are Cad plated
* The 7241 through-pin is plated
* The 7C383 spacer is plated
* The bolts are plated
* The 7C307 spring is natural
* The 7227 spring appears to be natural
* The washer and clip to the outside of the 7227 spring are plated
* 7348 is plated
* 7C383 near b-u light wire is plated
* The 7219 7210 horse shoe is natural.
* The through pin for the horse shoe is PO
Parts on the control box end of the linkage rods. These are the adjustment parts:
* Cotter pin is plated
* Flat washer 44727-S is listed as bare, but its finish clear zinc
* Wave washer 351467-S is bare, but is spring steel so dark PO or gun metal.
* Adjustment pin 7353 appears to be PO
* Adjustment nut with built in washer is PO
Linkage rods themselves are PO.
Parts on the transmission side of the linkage rods:
* The 7289 levers are natural
* The flat washer and lock washer that bolt the lever to the internal shift shaft are Zinc
* The wave washer and flat washer that hold the linkage rods to the lever are PO
* The hairpin clip is PO
I think that's everything. I'm not an expert on these, only trying to put together a list, so corrections would be appreciated.
Updates in blue.