Thread: Finish on a Vega steering box ?'s

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Starting to do a little bit of work on my frame, and one of the things I want to do is clean up/dress up the vega box. The frame is going to be powdercoated bright green, and the front suspension componants will be powdercoated the version of chrome that my powder guy has (looks kind of like buffed aluminum.
What is the best type of paint to use on the steering box, and what's the best way to prep. it? I was thinking of just using degreaser to get it as clean as possible, and I want to use a paint to match the silver powder, not to shiney, but durable so it doesn't start flaking off or need re-painting.
If anyone has suggestions I'd love to hear them. Please be as specific as possible with paint brands or procedures that you've had successs with.
Thanks,
Randy

If that's the only other piece you're going to do that color it would probably cost the same or less to have it powder coated along with the other pieces. Buying even small amounts of primer and top coat (plus some flattener to match the tone) adds up in a hurry. The one suggestion there would be to make sure the drain/fill plug is done separately so it won't "bond" the threads to the housing.

on mine i buffed the top aluminum cap...and also the big adjustment nut on the back side...looks pretty good...

Originally posted by Bob Parmenter
...it would probably cost the same or less to have it powder coated along with the other pieces...

Won't the 400 degree baking process have an adverse effect on the internal companants of the steering box?
My first choice would be to have it the same color as the frame, but I just assumed it couldn't be baked.

Based on your degrease comment I figure you're using a used box. The only things on it that might mind that heat are the oil and seals, which you should replace anyway. As for having it the same color as the frame, that's different than what I thought your first post said.

Yup, I know it's different, sorry for the confusion...ideally, I'd like to have the box the same color as the frame, but I figured since it couldn't be powdercoated without potentially damaging the internals, I'd be better off painting it.
Bear in mind, a lot of this is new to me, but I think what I'm understanding is that I can dis-assemble, powdercoat the casing, then replace the internals?
Yes, it is a used steering box, should I automatically have it rebuilt? Where can I get that done?

Or where can I find data on doing this myself? Are the parts for doing this available at auto parts stores?

If you do have it powder coated make sure the guy knows to mask the seal/gasket surfaces, all threads, and "holes". Makes it easier to reassemble.

Overhaul kit would be Edelmann #7858. These are 30 years old, so you may have to do some searching. One online source for old stuff is A1 Cardone Auto parts, just do a google search it should come up. The last set of seals I got was from a Chev dealer, but that was 15 years ago, so while you may want to try, don't get your hopes up.

Also, in a town the size of Grand Rapids there should be a steering gear rebuilder, probably more than one. They do HD trucks, farm equipment, as well as automobiles, so sometimes it helps to check with shops that specialize in that type of equipment to get a lead.

Originally posted by resin addict
Yup, I know it's different, sorry for the confusion...ideally, I'd like to have the box the same color as the frame, but I figured since it couldn't be powdercoated without potentially damaging the internals, I'd be better off painting it.
Bear in mind, a lot of this is new to me, but I think what I'm understanding is that I can dis-assemble, powdercoat the casing, then replace the internals?
Yes, it is a used steering box, should I automatically have it rebuilt? Where can I get that done?

If it's in good shape you won't have to rebuild it.
Adjust it as per motors manual instructions when you re-assemble.

When you disassemble it, be careful not to take the recirculating ball gizmo off the worm.
The balls - about 1/4" OD are easy to lose and you need em all.
At the least, count em.

The powder coating process does not hurt the empty steering box.
You will have to remove the seals and all other pieces prior to.

GM no longer sells Vega seals and Mullins will not sell them to you last time I checked.
You can find perfectly adequate substitutes at a Bearing Supply House.

Once the box is re-assembled - except for the top cover - don't use oil or gear oil.
GM specs call for a particular grease, but several Chevy parts counters didn't know what I was talking about.
Sta-Lubes Extreme Pressure grease with Molybdenum Disulphide works well.

Use an iced tea spoon to fill the box, install and adjust the cover as per specs.

I have two Vega boxes, one's powder coated black with the big front adjuster retaining ring chrome plated.
The big front adjuster nut is painted black.
The top cover is buffed - it's aluminum - and retained by stainless button head allen bolts.

The second is painted with Dupli-Colors gloss black engine paint and the top buffed.
Both have new seals.

Most times, the Vega boxes are in pretty good shape and only require clean-up, adjustment and proper lube.
I believe Mullins does a mix and match bit with used parts when they do their rebuild although the seals are new.

Thanks guys!