FYI many but not all Dearborn steering boxes have been observed with the tops painted black.not sure about SJ in 69. Many examples seen of 65,66,and 67 SJ built cars. Same inconsistent practice applies. The paint was low quality emulsion type and didn't stick well what with the cosmoline coating the boxes were shipped from the supplier covered with. It chipped off or flacked off easily. Sometimes remnants of the black paint survives but can be mistaken as a previous owner painting everything black which was common up until recently . This procedure is called for in the assembly manual but like many examples the practice was not strictly adhered to.