OE Leaf Spring Clamp

Looking at OE 024 & 034 70 E-body leaf spring clamps. It seems that the repro clamps are clear / silver zinc plated, which are way too shiny in my eyes. Should the clamps be natural steel? Does anyone make or sell the correct looking ones?
TIA Bob

Natural steel, and left that way if the leaf springs were left unpainted. If the springs are painted black, so should the clamps, most agree the entire spring assemblies were dipped in paint.

So are you saying some springs and clamps were unpainted and some painted? I am getting ready to work on my rear end and it looks like they were unpainted on my 69 Dart.

Look between your spring leafs for paint residue when you take them out.

Yes, some were painted, and some were not. The paint was very thin and often deteriorated and was replaced with rust rather quickly so before deciding, as Barry said, look VERY closely between the springs and other protected areas for remnants of paint.

Give a choice what do you think looks better on a A12 road runner?

Thanks for the Info. Where can I get the correct natural clamps. The repro ones don't look correct for unpainted springs
Bob

I don't know of a source. You could just give them a quick dip the plated versions in muratic acid to remove the plating, rinse them off really well then buff them with 0000 steel wool to a natural sheen, finish with a good rust prevention product.

Yes Scott, I was going to try something like that or maybe media blast then RPM
Thanks Bob

The bad thing about blasting is it leaves the blasted look instead of the natural finish you are looking for.

You are right. The clamp that is being sold does not seem to be steel.
I have some things I am thinking of, yet you know if it works out
Thanks Bob

I think it all depends on the kind of media you use. Walnut shells and glass beads I don't think leave that impregnated look like black oxide or whatever that stuff called Black Beauty is.

frank b has and makes the natural ones. plus he has real zinc interliners, not made out of sheet metal. ronnie

OK, I called Frank but may need to wait till Monday. He must be busy.
Thanks Bob

If they are steel, glass bead em and then hit them with some steel wool and they will look natural.

I forgot about Frank having them, he won't let you down.

Tried calling Frank, he must be busy. I will call on monday I am sure he will have the right clamp.
Thanks everyone
Bob

I purchased the entire rebuild kit from frank.
For my 023/034 springs

Spot on!!
Very happy

Bill