Topic: Driveshaft Restoration - My Attempt

[rmaginnis]

Jeff, here's my attempt at a b302 drive shaft resto. I think it came out pretty good and the bluing for weld heat simulation adds a nice authentic detail touch. Thanks again for the tip!


Rick

[J_Speegle]

That is one marked up driveline.   Kind of like a circus tent   LOL


Glad ti worked for you and I have to agree the heat blue stripe and welds just add the final touch

[rmaginnis]

That is one marked up driveline.   Kind of like a circus tent   LOL

Glad ti worked for you and I have to agree the heat blue stripe and welds just add the final touch

I was thinking it was marked up like the graffiti on the side of a railroad car. I intentionally got sloppy with the LA/BL/BL stripes but its no where near as messy looking as the original paint stripes I found. In fact, the drive shaft manufacturer must have been trying to save every penny by thinning the paint to a point where it must have been like 'tinted lacquer thinner'. That stuff was everywhere.
Rick

[CharlesTurner]

Another use for old roller blades!   

[bryancobb]

Those wheels look like the owner enjoyed RollerBlading more than most!!!!

[Skyway65]

Here's another, albeit less colorful, attempt at the magical do-it-yourself driveline project.  As most of you know this is for my Jan. '65 Dearborn 6 cyl/C4 World's Fair car.  Not bad for 3 hours of work.  Although I'm not totally happy with some of the remaining pits in the metal.  More sand blasting?

[CharlesTurner]

I'd recommend having a new tube welded onto the original ends.  Jack Brooks can do this for you:  www.deadnutson.com

[Skyway65]

Thanks for that Charles.  I was in touch with him just last week about that.  I was also considering having the original u joints redone too.  Waiting for pricing on that.

[rmaginnis]

Here's another, albeit less colorful, attempt at the magical do-it-yourself driveline project.  As most of you know this is for my Jan. '65 Dearborn 6 cyl/C4 World's Fair car.  Not bad for 3 hours of work.  Although I'm not totally happy with some of the remaining pits in the metal.  More sand blasting?

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, no one will get close enough to see it under the car. Looks great to me for a 40+ year old drive shaft!
Rick

[CharlesTurner]

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, no one will get close enough to see it under the car. Looks great to me for a 40+ year old drive shaft!
Rick

If he's planning to show the car, it will matter.

[J_Speegle]

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it, no one will get close enough to see it under the car. Looks great to me for a 40+ year old drive shaft!

Most blasting well no - you either need to start with a better tube or replace it.

If the pitting is very minor he might get by but any defect tends to stand out on an item that is typically very smooth and shinny

[rmaginnis]

If he's planning to show the car, it will matter.

how much will it matter (points wise) - compared to say a rusted shaft and a perfect reproduction??
Rick

[CharlesTurner]

how much will it matter (points wise) - compared to say a rusted shaft and a perfect reproduction??
Rick

Could be 1-2 points, which might be the difference between silver and gold.

[Skyway65]

Yes, I am planning on showing the car (eventually!) and my goal from the start was to get it as perfect as I possibly can.  So that means I will more than likely go for the new driveshaft, rebuilt original u joints and restored slip joint.  And BTW-Thanks to everyone on this site for the expertise to make all this possible.   The last Mustang I did was a '65 coupe way back in '78.  A LOT has changed since then!

[rmaginnis]

Didn't stop to think about the showing aspect, points and all that. I was more thinking along the lines of the pits not being noticeable while your driving it
Rick