Originally Posted by bremotorsports


Correct. Backing plates are phosphate coated.


And the ends of 8-3/4" axles (but not Dana 60) were NOT painted. I have verified with EXTREME low mileage cars, as well as two NOS axle housings I have. This is easy to overlook because being machined and bare metal as new, during the normal service time after the cars delivery, they flash-rusted almost immediately.


Photos show one of my NOS housings before and after an aggressive wire wheel cleanup. Yes, that is an NOS housings that had lots for scratches and small divots from being moved around many times before I acquired it!


Bill Rolik




Sure 'nuff. I just checked the outer ends of my '69 A-body 8-3/4, and they look to be rusty with no paint. I had carefully documented everything about the housing markings , etc., but completely missed that. I'll be restoring that housing back to original with no paint on the ends shortly.

Also, the backing plates, both front and rear, on my '69 Barracuda were phosphated, not painted, although the O.P. asked about B-Body..

If you don't see two dolphins, you need a vacation.