After cleaning off the 50+ years of gunk, I am ready to put a nice coat of black (which I think is the appropriate color for running gear and power train, unless the part is aluminum) paint on my differential -- but before I do, I'd be interested if anybody knows what color they were painted by the factory. Mine has a 1956 (same year as the car) casting number, so I am assuming it is original. It is kind of vaguely reddish or pinkish or purplish (see picture below), much faded similar to how the engine color has faded.
All the ones I've used over the years were just a natural cast finish. After cleaning I'd paint them black. I blew up quite a few of those third members with my 350-300 4 speed combo in my 55 until I finally installed a 12 bolt posi with4:56 gears out of a 1969 Nova. I don't ever remember seeing them painted from the factory.
All the ones I've used over the years were just a natural cast finish. After cleaning I'd paint them black. I blew up quite a few of those third members with my 350-300 4 speed combo in my 55 until I finally installed a 12 bolt posi with4:56 gears out of a 1969 Nova. I don't ever remember seeing them painted from the factory.
Al
Well mine is black now - just finished painting the rear end yesterday.
I was hoping that since this is basically the same rear end that was in the 62-64 409 cars, it would hold up once I got the 496 installed (that is a ways off yet). Maybe I am too optimistic, given your results with a 350. Time will tell.
My backup plan is a Ford 9" which can be bought brand spankin' new ready to bolt in, already set up for the 56 chassis, and should handle all the torque I can throw at it. I'd prefer a 12-bolt but nowadays they are too scarce/pricy, and the 9" has better aftermarket support.
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
- just finished painting the rear end yesterday.