Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I’m literally redoing every nut and bolt on the frame-off restoration of my ‘69. It has an early worm steering box that is now fully disassembled, degreased, and ready for paint. Question is, did the factory originally fully paint the steering box so that the nuts, bolts, and washers are also painted, or was the box painted and then assembled, meaning the bolts, stud, nuts and washers are showing their zinc plating? Mine was so dirty prior to degreasing that I can’t tell, and want it to be correct. Thanks

Pretty sure it is black paint with yellow zinc hardware. Could be either yellow or clear zinc though, Nissan used both, so either would be fine. I’m sure it is ok to paint the whole thing black if needed, I doubt you will be penalized.

As an aside, I hear that "corn head grease" is an excellent choice for filling the box vs gear oil, doesn't leak out . I plan on making the switch over the winter.

Corn head grease is still available at the local John Deer tractor parts departments.
I used a rubber stopper with an installed grease nipple when filling the box.
No leaks.

Cheers
Ray B.

itsa68 wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 10:55 am Corn head grease is still available at the local John Deer tractor parts departments.
I used a rubber stopper with an installed grease nipple when filling the box.
No leaks.

Cheers
Ray B.

Amazon even has it, $17.

https://www.amazon.com/John-Deere-Corn- ... B00CSBOLL8

More than you ever wanted to know about corn head grease.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zNhli-J0Gk

Do people drive what they resurrect, or just admire it?

Asking for a friend who’s never repainted a steering box or stuffed it with fresh corn head grease.

Just driven the upgraded result for max enjoyment.

rwmann wrote: Tue Jan 02, 2024 6:18 pm Do people drive what they resurrect, or just admire it?

Asking for a friend who’s never repainted a steering box or stuffed it with fresh corn head grease.

Just driven the upgraded result for max enjoyment.

Seems a bit condescending, but what do I know.

Since it's the New Year maybe this will fix you up?

https://forhangovers.com/

Never really understood rivet counting.

Spirited driving, on the other hand, easily understood.

I came from NCRS Corvettes where the bolts better be date coded much less the proper finish. I too got tired of 8 hours of judging to tell you what’s wrong with the car. This car will be driven, however I still like factory correctness if it only takes a few minutes more.

On the corn head grease, I bought Tutela from my local big-boy farming equipment store (the guys that sell combines bigger than a house). Not only were they super friendly and helpful, but the price was $5.52 per 14oz tube, which means it’s the same spec stuff at 1/3 cost of a tube of JD corn head grease on Amazon. I also picked up a gallon of Case New Holland 80W-90 mineral oil for the diff at $26. Apparently, farmers like quality and a good price, and these guys had both.

tcslc wrote: Wed Jan 10, 2024 2:23 pm On the corn head grease, I bought Tutela from my local big-boy farming equipment store (the guys that sell combines bigger than a house). Not only were they super friendly and helpful, but the price was $5.52 per 14oz tube, which means it’s the same spec stuff at 1/3 cost of a tube of JD corn head grease on Amazon. I also picked up a gallon of Case New Holland 80W-90 mineral oil for the diff at $26. Apparently, farmers like quality and a good price, and these guys had both.

Cool, thanks for posting. I thought the price was a bit steep for the JD version!