Topic: correct fastener finish

[original68]

hello what is the correct finish for the bolts that attach the steering box to the frame.  power steering ram bracket to frame and idler arm to frame. on a 1968 san jose car. mine are corroded and cant make out the correct finish. i was hoping for zinc phosphate as i bought the liquid to replicate the finish. if they are the natural steel color is the best option to spray paint them.  i was hoping to keep the original fasteners and restore them..  thanks for all the help

[Bob Gaines]

hello what is the correct finish for the bolts that attach the steering box to the frame.  power steering ram bracket to frame and idler arm to frame. on a 1968 san jose car. mine are corroded and cant make out the correct finish. i was hoping for zinc phosphate as i bought the liquid to replicate the finish. if they are the natural steel color is the best option to spray paint them.  i was hoping to keep the original fasteners and restore them..  thanks for all the help

Zinc phosphate they are.

[original68]

Thanks much

[J_Speegle]

Over the phosphate they were dyed (as a safety item to catch the workers eye and attention) red.

I use machinist dye for the purpose


Your idler arm and nuts are treated and finished the same way

The look of the finished part is dependent on the plating or coating applied to the piece before the dye

[original68]

thanks jeff

[preaction]

Jeff, were the whole bolts for the steering box dyed red ? Not safety items but what should the D washer and lock washer be P+O ?

[J_Speegle]

Jeff, were the whole bolts for the steering box dyed red ? Not safety items but what should the D washer and lock washer be P+O ?

On a 68 I've seen the complete bolt dyed - Hidden/protected area inside the frame rail with the dye still present. The washer and lock washer would just be the dark finish such as P & O  without the dye