69 F Body Rear Axle Color *Latest Consensus*

**RamAirBirds** · #1 12-17-2022, 10:41 PM

What i the latest/final consensus on the finish for the rear axle on the Camaro/Firebird.
When I look in the "Legends Judging Manual" it does not really state anything other than Black Backing Plates but the axles they show in the photos appear to be all Black.
To this point I had always painted the axle Tubes Natural Steel and the Center Section in Cast Iron Color. Also i have seen some people spray the back of the assembly with a light coverage of black like it was over sprayed while in the car during bottom finish. What is the latest and greatest method out there.
Can somebody please shed some light on this?
Specifically ready to paint a couple 69 RA Firebird Axles, a 69 Camaro 12 Bolt and a 68 RA GTO Axle.
Any help and thoughts/discussion is appreciated. Need to hear from the experts out there. Thanks in advance. If this has been covered if you could point me to the proper thread would also be helpful.
RA

**X66 714** · #2 12-17-2022, 10:51 PM

My friend's 375hp, 12k 69 Camaro has black paint on the axle & drums. I did mine in all black & rec'd no point deduction at MCACN...Joe

**RamAirBirds** · #3 12-17-2022, 10:58 PM

Interesting. That is a very good example to pull the info from. I can also say that there are many cars that go to MCACN that have the axle painted the way i described and also received no point deduction. The Judging world may not be what we would consider a "Final Consensus". I like your information better.
Any other know original cars out there to back this up?

**William** · #4 12-17-2022, 11:17 PM

Firebird axles were sourced from Pontiac and appear to not have been painted after assembly. During final assembly, I believe the bottom of the axle was coated.

Camaro axles were sourced from Chevrolet and were painted after assembly. The brake drums were also painted; some overspray may be present on the PB cables. The pinion flange was masked and should not have paint. Brake lines were not installed and should not be painted.

ZL-1 #3 road test photo.

**RamAirBirds** · #5 12-17-2022, 11:28 PM

This information Post #4 may go along with my thoughts. I have always painted the Firebird Axles this way and now my painter is doing his 69 Camaro Axle and was thinking what Joe says above...All Black.
William, Do you think it would be safe to say that the GTO vs Chevelle would be that same scenario? I have done my GTO axles also as Natural Steel / Cast Center.

**William** · #6 12-17-2022, 11:37 PM

Probably.

Chevy axles came from the gear and axle plant. Far as I know, all were painted.

**RamAirBirds** · #7 12-17-2022, 11:37 PM

Would assume that since the backing plates come with the axle that the Pontiac Backing plates would also be natural steel. This is how i have always done them and now i wonder about drums.
Also not to get too deep but would the 12-bolt chevy axles installed on 1970 Trans Ams and 1970-1972 GTOs be painted ALL BLACK?

**William** · #8 12-17-2022, 11:46 PM

This is a '69 Firebird at Lordstown. Appears the backing plates are not coated. There must have been a paint process in final assembly to coat the axle and exhaust system.

**RamAirBirds** · #9 12-17-2022, 11:46 PM

Were you intending to post a photo?
Thank you for your input.

**RamAirBirds** · #10 12-17-2022, 11:47 PM

Yes, Good Stuff. Ive seen that before.

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