Steering Coupler Nuts

[Tinkerr]

I cleaned up a original steering coupler for a 1968 Camaro, however the nuts and lock washers were missing. I've seen the parts vendors selling replacements in what I believe is gold cadmium plating, zinc plating or a combination of both. What is correct? Thank Paul

[Mike S]

 On my 05B NOR 67 w/manual steering, the nuts, washers and bolts were unquestionably phosphate.
I will check my 04B LOS 67 with/PS later today.
The repro nuts have a slight radius along the top and bottom and originals are more square. Very easy to spot the difference. 

Mike

[68camaroz28]

Might not help but this our original coupler and hardware restored and when placed on our 68.
https://www.camaros.net/forums/133-build-projects/182584-time-another-68-z-28-restored-54.html

[Mike S]

Chick, 

 Your 68 originally had a copper plated bolt on the joint? Must be something for '68 then? Of all the '67 rag joint bolts I have I haven't seen copper. Did 68 use the stamped copper ground like used in '67 manual boxes?

Mike

[68camaroz28]

Never did any research on the issue cause thought I had no reason to do so can’t offer much Mike.

[Camarocards]

Mike,

Here are a few pictures of the original refurbished Steering Coupler from my '68. My car was built two weeks after Chick's so it is in line with what has been seen on cars of that time frame. i.e. Copper plated bolt.

Hope this helps,

Bob

[Mike S]

Hi Bob,
 That must be a 67-68 change then. I took a brass brush to my 67 LOS w/PS and it definitely has no copper plating and no signs of zinc either. The P/S ground is different than a manual steering however.

Thanks!
Mike

[Edgemontvillage]

There may be differences between the 4 ply power steering coupler and 7 ply manual regarding hardware however for the PS coupler I've observed, up to the 1969 model year the tall style bolts were used with the MB head marking or sometimes no marking. One was manganese (dark) phosphated and the other copper plated.

Original PS coupler stud hardware showing tall style threaded studs with copper plating and manganese phosphating
 

[68camaroz28]

https://www.camaros.net/forums/133-build-projects/182584-time-another-68-z-28-restored-11.html
Here on my build thread some pics of ours.

[Mike S]

It's interesting copper plated and non-plated were used. I wonder if there was a reason both types were used and what determined it, if anything.

[Camarocards]

It's interesting copper plated and non-plated were used. I wonder if there was a reason both types were used and what determined it, if anything.

Mike,

I’m just guessing that it may have to do with ensuring a good ground path from the coupler to the steering column.

Chick,

I noticed that both of your nuts are zinc plated and both lock washers are phosphate. If I remember correctly the AIM calls out different nuts and lockwashers. i.e. one side of the coupler, the one that is copper plated, used a zinc plated nut and lockwasher and the other side, used a nut and lockwasher that was phosphated. Maybe a Z/28 used a different combination of nuts and lockwashers???

[68camaroz28]

Bob, those pictures were taken four years or more before install. I remember differences and will have to review the car.

[jeffschevelle]

To the extent relevant, every single 67 Chevelle I have disassembled (which is north of 25) has had the copper plated bolt.