1963 corvette instrument cluster screws

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 corvette instrument cluster screws

Just to clear up the color issue on his screw: I'm not sure this was a black oxide coated screw, but I can find out. Some "black oxide" screws appeared brown when they were still new, in the box. The brown did not look like rust, the "rust" I spoke of was not obviuos rust, it was ostensibly due to mircroscopic pieces of steel residue on the screw surface which lent a brown hue to the intended smooth black color.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 corvette instrument cluster screws

The fastener database I have says the 9419300 screw was black phosphate but your right Michael they appear brown and it's not rust because the entire screw is brown. I wonder if the black plating just turned brown over the years? Maybe a plating expert could explain if that's possible.

I hate to correct you guys, but having reviewed the results of more GM fastener salt spray tests than I care to remember, that IS rust.

[John D.]

Re: 1963 corvette instrument cluster screws

Tim,

The screws that you have in the pic would be the correct ones for the cluster on an early 63. The plating on these was black.
At a guess, I would say the black sheet metal style screws were used for at least the first two months of production.

Later in 63 production, (and through the end of 67 production) a screw with machine thread replaced the black screws. The color of the later style machine thread screw was brown. (unfortunately, I have absolutely no idea what kind of coating or plating is brown)

Try Birchwood Casey Plum brown barrel finish. Bir 14130 $10.95. JD

[Dale S.]

Re: 1963 corvette instrument cluster screws

Michael, I bought "Hobby Black" for blacking the metal on Lionel trains. They changed the formula and then the metal came out brown. I then used gun blueing. Dale