Author Topic: Upper control arm finish  (Read 921 times)

Offline preaction

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Upper control arm finish
« on: February 14, 2019, 06:52:28 PM »
http://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=4802.0;attach=4730;image  I found this pic from a related post here from some years ago and wanted to ask if the finish (color) of the UCA and spring seat which looks to have been tumbled finished and appears to match the finish I have achived with the same process is still considered correct ? I have seen others that seem much too bright and look out of place.
8F02R218047-  July 18 1968   Dearborn

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #1 on: February 15, 2019, 08:07:32 PM »
Yes the finish on the upper a arm and spring perch (main body) do look mono-tone and possibly tumbled

Originally they would have been new bare steel. Metal can brighten a little when stretched but that doesn't produce a really big, noticeable difference  but a nice touch. IMHO.

In the picture you attached there are a number of other finishes that don't look original but those are not the focus of the thread
Jeff Speegle

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Offline BKnapp

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #2 on: February 15, 2019, 08:53:58 PM »
Since we are talking about the UCA, isn’t the shaft a darker hardened steel? Am I correct that 67 would be similar?
Bill

‘67 390 Coupe A/T  P/S  P/B. (Built 1/4/1967)  7R01S145xxx
‘67 390 FB A/T P/S P/B (Built 3/10/1967) 7F02S173xxx
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Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #3 on: February 15, 2019, 09:33:33 PM »
Since we are talking about the UCA, isn’t the shaft a darker hardened steel? Am I correct that 67 would be similar?

Yes one of the finishes I was referring to. The inner pivot shaft and end caps would be dark heat treated steel as mentioned in other threads and yes typical for other years including 67
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline preaction

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #4 on: February 16, 2019, 09:35:40 AM »
Thanks Jeff :)
8F02R218047-  July 18 1968   Dearborn

Offline 67gtasanjose

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #5 on: February 16, 2019, 02:00:57 PM »
These upper arms and other parts were tumbled.
« Last Edit: February 16, 2019, 02:07:21 PM by 67gtasanjose »
Richard Urch

1967 (11/2/66, S.J.) GTA Luxury Coupe, 289-4V w/Thermactor Emissions, C-4, Int./Ext. Decor +many options

2005 (04/05) GT Premium Convertible, Windveil Blue, Parchment Top w/Med. Parchment interior,  Roush Body Appointments

Offline preaction

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #6 on: February 16, 2019, 07:25:53 PM »
Richard your parts look great and finish match very well to what I have gotten we may have the same media 3/16"x3/8" ?  I didn't think pics would show true color but yours show sheen, color, and finish well.
8F02R218047-  July 18 1968   Dearborn

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #7 on: February 16, 2019, 08:50:00 PM »
Some of the sheen and an improved look might be due to the protective coating or how he handled the metal after the tumbling.   Like the extra details of course  :)
Jeff Speegle

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Offline 67gtasanjose

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Re: Upper control arm finish
« Reply #8 on: February 17, 2019, 08:12:52 AM »
Richard your parts look great and finish match very well to what I have gotten we may have the same media 3/16"x3/8" ?  I didn't think pics would show true color but yours show sheen, color, and finish well.

With the original control arms and essentially any of the stamped steel components that are now 50 years old, they all developed at least some rust early on and more often than not, pitting occurred over the surfaces of these parts. It can be difficult to restore them to the original appearances of "New Stamped Metal". I hear rumors that somebody has begun a reasonable close reproduction of these now, but they get painted.

Regarding the original ones I have, Charles did the tumbling for me a couple years ago now. He can point out whatever media he used if he chooses but I am sure there have been several threads in past years on what restorers have been using (search feature is your friend).

 I used Rust 911's "Metal Shield 2009" (though I am no longer seeing it available at the Rust911 site) to coat the arms (similar to Boeshield T9) and it gave the parts a light sheen initially that has since reduced some in sheen.

Below is a picture of the upper arm with Moog Upper ball joint and NOS boots aged 1 year. This is what I ended up with as a "finish" and I am satisfied, not the typical monotone look like the first picture in this thread.

« Last Edit: February 17, 2019, 08:31:49 AM by 67gtasanjose »
Richard Urch

1967 (11/2/66, S.J.) GTA Luxury Coupe, 289-4V w/Thermactor Emissions, C-4, Int./Ext. Decor +many options

2005 (04/05) GT Premium Convertible, Windveil Blue, Parchment Top w/Med. Parchment interior,  Roush Body Appointments