Should I paint the upper section of the steering shaft?

[Jacob]

Do most builders paint the upper section (nearest the driver) of the steering shaft? Looks to me like this will eventually rust if not protected...the lower section appears to be stainless and should be ok?

[CraigS]

When in doubt hit it w/ some rattle can black. Not w/ this part specifically, but nearly every time I've not taken the time for some paint, I've ended up wishing I had. I like the Rustoleom Self Etching primer and their 'Hammered' paint for this because it dries quickly and is quite durable.

[Gumball]

Have you considered using one of the turn signal systems that a couple of the vendors here offer? If so, that will cover the upper shaft and provide a production car look.

[wareaglescott]

I sprayed the end that shows through the dash with black and then sprayed the entire piece with clear.
I will say prior to painting I had the upper shaft in and out a few times. Now that I sprayed it I can not get it to budge at all. Luckily I haven't needed to get it out again but I think putting the clear on the portion that slides into the lower shaft was a rookie mistake! Didn't really consider it at the time but I think I should have just cleared the portion that was visible.

[NAZ]

If you like the look and don't want to paint use Sharkhide Unlike clear, Sharkhide won't chip, peel, or yellow. Wipe it on with microfiber cloth and it dries in seconds to give you years of protection. If you ever need to re-coat just clean the surface and wipe more on. No need to sand or scuff up the surface. Sharkhide provides a very thin coating and is used mostly on bare aluminum but works on all metals.

[Alig2]

Took a different approach, used large heat shrink tubing on the part visible from inside.

[wareaglescott]

Took a different approach, used large heat shrink tubing on the part visible from inside.

I like that idea. Could you post a picture of that?

[Jacob]

Have you considered using one of the turn signal systems that a couple of the vendors here offer? If so, that will cover the upper shaft and provide a production car look.

yes was actually considering the Russ Thompson setup...not too familiar with it but based on your note it would cover the upper exposed shaft..if it does then nothing to worry about! thanks

[wallace18]

Took a different approach, used large heat shrink tubing on the part visible from inside.

I do the same thing. Quick and easy. IMO

[Gumball]

yes was actually considering the Russ Thompson setup...not too familiar with it but based on your note it would cover the upper exposed shaft..if it does then nothing to worry about! thanks

Here's a pic of how the Russ Thompson switch looks - not the best, but the unfortunately the best I have at the moment. It has a tube that extends well down behind the dash, so you won't see the upper portion of the steering shaft.

[Gumball]

Better pic of the Russ Thompson switch assembly - the upper shaft will only protrude from this far enough to fit the steering wheel on the end. According to the instructions, you'll have to make sure there is a slight gap throughout the full rotation of the wheel both ways to avoid grounding out the switch between the housing and the back of the steering wheel, but that gap on mine is very small.

[Gumball]

This pic shows just the tube of the Russ Thompson switch assembly mounted to the chassis - the "flange" with the actuating lever was off when this was taken. But, from this, you can see how the upper column is covered by the assembly.

[Gumball]

And for those who haven't seen the full Russ Thompson assembly, here's a pic on the bench. I asked him to make mine with the actuator lever facing to the right (passenger) side of the car and to leave the switch off the end of the lever. I'm really happy with his craftsmanship and the function of the part.

[Alig2]

I like that idea. Could you post a picture of that?

Simple, looks like it was plastic dipped
IMAG0072a.jpg

[Jacob]

thanks to all for all the great feedback...puts me back on track!

[Chuck Sloggett]

I used a piece of black wire loom cover. -- Chuck

[Mister7]

Do most builders paint the upper section (nearest the driver) of the steering shaft? Looks to me like this will eventually rust if not protected...the lower section appears to be stainless and should be ok?

Took a chrome hollow towel rod cut it to length and slid it over the shaft. Looks great!

[AC Bill]

Then there is always the old school stainless steel thermos cap, that some builders used, if they weren't bothering with a column signal switch. It finished off in that area quite nicely. I also recall someone using a small stainless steel dog or cat bowl, for the same purpose.