Topic: Tie Rod finish

[Twilight65]

I know in the MCA rule book for 1964 1/2 -1966 Sect. 5.G. it says the Tie Rods should be natural finish but I have purchased Ford NOS replacements which are almost black from the hardening process. Are these acceptable as they are, or do I need to refinish so they look like clean metal. (doing a concours restoration)
Thanks,
Dave

[Anghelrestorations]

In my opinion the tie rods should have a natural metal finish....which can be restored and look very close to original if done correctly.  If it looks to you or anyone else like it was painted black it would not be correct.  I can post pictures of what I consider original finish if needed.......

[CharlesTurner]

I have seen some Ford replacement tie rods that were painted black.  It's just the nature of who provided them for Ford.  They should be a natural finish, slightly dark, but not near black.  There should be a machined finish also.

[Anghelrestorations]

I agree Charles.  The key thing is original versus NOS.  I think most all of the NOS tie rods I have found are painted black....and the originals I pull off cars lack any paint on them at all. 

If I was using an NOS tie rod today I would take the black paint off of that....

[Twilight65]

Thanks guys, I will remove the black to get a natural finish.
Dave

[J_Speegle]

Been happy using gun bluing repair fluid for this purpose - with the caps highlighted (brighter than the cast metal) 

Believe pictures of the finished look are in some of my 69 Shelby post we did last year