Forum?

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Is there a topic title for simple questions? For example where would I post what color are these? Paint and body or under something else. I will probably have a lot of best ways to restore parts. Here is why I ask. What color are these three steering box bolts originally? Black oxide? Best way to clean? Thanks. My box got shipped out yesterday from a rebuild . I had the leave it bare so I can finish. I’ll add that later to my build forum.

 

[kmakar]

Chevelle General Discussion or Body and Paint is fine, either will work.

Ask Jerry or Jon, they'd probably know.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

Is there a topic title for simple questions? For example where would I post what color are these? Paint and body or under something else. I will probably have a lot of best ways to restore parts. Here is why I ask. What color are these three steering box bolts originally? Black oxide? Best way to clean? Thanks. My box got shipped out yesterday from a rebuild . I had the leave it bare so I can finish. I’ll add that later to my build forum.

Mine were rusty and worn when removed, They are in a bad place on the frame for corrosion. I think I painted them black. The box was definitely cast grey.

 

[cheveslakr]

They are black oxide. They'll usually clean up fairly well with a fine wire wheel and a bit of atf as lube. AMK repops these.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

They are black oxide. They'll usually clean up fairly well with a fine wire wheel and a bit of atf as lube. AMK repops these.

I have found the shafts rust very thin, even in non harsh environments. IMO is is best to replace these bolts with new.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

I have found the shafts rust very thin, even in non harsh environments. IMO is is best to replace these bolts with new.

So do I replace all the nuts and bolts in suspension? This will sit in the garage but on few days go out. I know what do I want to do with it and what a can do with it are two different things. Glaucoma= no driving, but wife of kid may someday. I want it safe, but also original. Thinking of making a display case for all my unused stuff. I’ll look into those bolts. Also gets expensive ordering bolts. I find kits but if I don’t need them. Thanks I appreciate your advice.

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

So do I replace all the nuts and bolts in suspension? This will sit in the garage but on few days go out. I know what do I want to do with it and what a can do with it are two different things. Glaucoma= no driving, but wife of kid may someday. I want it safe, but also original. Thinking of making a display case for all my unused stuff. I’ll look into those bolts. Also gets expensive ordering bolts. I find kits but if I don’t need them. Thanks I appreciate your advice.

That is up to you. The steering box bolts just rust so badly because they are right next to the wheel. Also, the box is so critical for safety, it is my preference to change them.

If the control arm bolts are in good shape, I wouldn't hesitate to reuse them but if they were wearing metal on metal I would replace.

Yes, the car is "original" but certain items need to be replaced especially if worn. Safety is #1 priority when it comes to any restoration. A good for instance are body mounts and bolts. They wear from age. There was a picture a few years back of a fatal accident , a 69 was in a wreck and the body came off its frame due to bad body mounts and bolts.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

That is up to you. The steering box bolts just rust so badly because they are right next to the wheel. Also, the box is so critical for safety, it is my preference to change them.

If the control arm bolts are in good shape, I wouldn't hesitate to reuse them but if they were wearing metal on metal I would replace.

Yes, the car is "original" but certain items need to be replaced especially if worn. Safety is #1 priority when it comes to any restoration. A good for instance are body mounts and bolts. They wear from age. There was a picture a few years back of a fatal accident , a 69 was in a wreck and the body came off its frame due to bad body mounts and bolts.

I used new bolts on almost everything so far. Old mounts new bolts. Old bolts look ok just started buying new bolts. Then I started thinking how expensive and time consuming everything time I need bolts. Not sure how I would judge a bolt just thought new I’d know. Thanks

 

[Chevelle_Nut]

I used new bolts on almost everything so far. Old mounts new bolts. Old bolts look ok just started buying new bolts. Then I started thinking how expensive and time consuming everything time I need bolts. Not sure how I would judge a bolt just thought new I’d know. Thanks

Yuo may want to rethink the old mounts. They control Body alignment. I have also had old mounts cause creaks and flex. The front mounts under the cowl really sag and take a beating from road debris and grime as do the ones behind the rear wheels and trunk.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Yuo may want to rethink the old mounts. They control Body alignment. I have also had old mounts cause creaks and flex. The front mounts under the cowl really sag and take a beating from road debris and grime as do the ones behind the rear wheels and trunk.

This car has had under 200 miles since I’ve drove it last in 1992 and had it for at least four years before that. When I got it it had a 283 in it. As much as I plan on taking this car out is rare if my wife or son they want it for a daily we can change. I’d like to use everything it has originally. I’ll let the next person have as much fun as me and learn the car. This is what I what 1969 Chevelle ss(?) Cortez silver,396 automatic, black vinyl top (don’t hate I know rust) black interior, fiber optic front fender, rear antenna,5 speaker stereo. Has kicker speaker holes. Can’t remember what it was called. It’s on my ocs build and I haven’t been there in awhile. Has air shock in rear bumper. Not sure there yet as I hear no air shocks, but it’s there. And more as I get to it. So this is what I’m trying to achieve.

 

[kmakar]

This car has had under 200 miles since I’ve drove it last in 1992 and had it for at least four years before that. When I got it it had a 283 in it. As much as I plan on taking this car out is rare if my wife or son they want it for a daily we can change. I’d like to use everything it has originally. I’ll let the next person have as much fun as me and learn the car. This is what I what 1969 Chevelle ss(?) Cortez silver,396 automatic, black vinyl top (don’t hate I know rust) black interior, fiber optic front fender, rear antenna,5 speaker stereo. Has kicker speaker holes. Can’t remember what it was called. It’s on my ocs build and I haven’t been there in awhile. Has air shock in rear bumper. Not sure there yet as I hear no air shocks, but it’s there. And more as I get to it. So this is what I’m trying to achieve.

Build it your way.... that's what makes it uniquely yours.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

Build it your way.... that's what makes it uniquely yours.

Just hate to say I wish I would have done that.

 

[kmakar]

Just hate to say I wish I would have done that.

That's the fun called life.... we all have "I wish I would haves"...... don't sweat it, do what feels right (and within budget).

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

That's the fun called life.... we all have "I wish I would haves"...... don't sweat it, do what feels right (and within budget).

But there is knowledgeable people to help along the way.

 

[SSuperDave]

I've removed lower steering box bolts that were rusted thru to the thickness of pencil leak in the middle from water and debris. They were available with washers from GM under part #399803 as recently as a few years ago, these were also black oxide. I think they were 6 to a box.

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

I've removed lower steering box bolts that were rusted thru to the thickness of pencil leak in the middle from water and debris. They were available with washers from GM under part #399803 as recently as a few years ago, these were also black oxide. I think they were 6 to a box.

A gm part dealer near here helped me locate some. Not two many places had them anymore. I ordered three the other day. Although she couldn’t find nuts or washers. Thanks for the part number that really helps. The dealer gave it to me also. I was gonna post the number when I got them. Maybe help someone else looking for it. Now I get to track down rear suspension bolts. I think I have those part numbers. #402568 maybe. Thanks for all the help.

 

[SSuperDave]

There are no nuts, the bolts go thru the frame and thread into the steering box.
The numbers I have for the lower control arm bolts are #9421430, and nuts, #9422301. If you have an assembly manual for your car (if you don't, you REALLY need to) it lists part # for all this stuff, and a surprising number of these items are still available.

 

[Nashville Cat]

I recently redid my entire suspension, and used grade 8 cad plated bolts throughout. And used locking nuts with nylon inserts (also anti-seized all threads).
Since the factory is always concerned with saving pennies, I could care less about using factory bolts; but then mine is not a "restoration", it's a restification !

 

[1969chevmalibu1969]

There are no nuts, the bolts go thru the frame and thread into the steering box.
The numbers I have for the lower control arm bolts are #9421430, and nuts, #9422301. If you have an assembly manual for your car (if you don't, you REALLY need to) it lists part # for all this stuff, and a surprising number of these items are still available.

There are no nuts, the bolts go thru the frame and thread into the steering box.
The numbers I have for the lower control arm bolts are #9421430, and nuts, #9422301. If you have an assembly manual for your car (if you don't, you REALLY need to) it lists part # for all this stuff, and a surprising number of these items are still available.

Thanks and you were right. If I would have checked it is just a washer and bolt. No nut. Also I do have a manual, but the one I got must be cheap because half the print is faded or gone.