What your looking at below here is the Driver's side front without the steering arm attached. On the bottom of the image, you can see the Steering Rack linkage that is due to be cleaned up/repainted/reassembled for use.
Here is a close-up of the rack linkage. You can see its withstood the test of time with the amount of rust on it. Upon disassembly, the balljoints seem to be in sound condition for re-use. I think with some TLC, some aesthetic cleanup, I think these parts will be roadworthy very soon.
Here is a shot while I was cleaning up the rack and pinion for re-assembly. In the upper corner, you can see the very delicate brass gaskets that surround the bearing. I'm in process now of creating digital information to have new gaskets laser-cut locally as I dont think you can find these for purchase anymore.
Here is a more detailed shot of a cleaned up ball-joint vs. not clean. You can see the distance in looks that this goes with just a little bit of Thinner and a Sandblaster. Add a fresh-coat a paint to protect it for the future, and Rock-n-Roll!
Here's yet another detail showing the Steering Column Bearing. Although I think this bearing has seen better days, I think it will be fine just being cleaned up and a little more grease added. Once I can investigate a little more on sizing, etc.. I may try to find a new replacement if at all possible.
Upon completion, you can see what a nice fresh coat of paint will do for ya! These parts look like I just bought them new. Online I can pick up new rubber Gaters to replace the old rubber boots, this rack should be good as new.
Here is a close-up of the rack linkage. You can see its withstood the test of time with the amount of rust on it. Upon disassembly, the balljoints seem to be in sound condition for re-use. I think with some TLC, some aesthetic cleanup, I think these parts will be roadworthy very soon.
Here is a shot while I was cleaning up the rack and pinion for re-assembly. In the upper corner, you can see the very delicate brass gaskets that surround the bearing. I'm in process now of creating digital information to have new gaskets laser-cut locally as I dont think you can find these for purchase anymore.Here is a more detailed shot of a cleaned up ball-joint vs. not clean. You can see the distance in looks that this goes with just a little bit of Thinner and a Sandblaster. Add a fresh-coat a paint to protect it for the future, and Rock-n-Roll!
Here's yet another detail showing the Steering Column Bearing. Although I think this bearing has seen better days, I think it will be fine just being cleaned up and a little more grease added. Once I can investigate a little more on sizing, etc.. I may try to find a new replacement if at all possible.
Upon completion, you can see what a nice fresh coat of paint will do for ya! These parts look like I just bought them new. Online I can pick up new rubber Gaters to replace the old rubber boots, this rack should be good as new.
