I’d like to have the chromed tube that houses the steering shaft re-chromed. Not sure I can get the bearing for the shaft out of the tube without damaging it. So, before I potentially ruin it, is a replacement bearing available and if so where/what part number? I’m guessing it’s probably the same as other steering components from late 50s, early 60s boats and not specific to the Continental.
I am looking to do the same exact thing with the chrome tube on my 1955 Capri.
My understanding is parts can and often must be masked off prior to re-chroming (electroplating). Masking is a critical step in the metal finishing process, particularly for selective plating where you only want the chromium deposited on specific areas. I think the bearing could be left in the tube and masked off - there are various ways this can be achieved with tapes, liquids, wax, etc. The plating shop would know best which to use.
After talking to several restorers, they use a dowel and socket/washer that is close to the inside diameter of the tube to pound out the bearing, and pound it back in after plating the tube. I did this to remove it, and it came out fairly easily, without obvious damage. The parts are at the plater. However, I believe I have identified the bearing, from an old ford steering column. I’ve ordered one to confirm one way or the other. If it’s correct, I’ll post the link.
Great tip - thank you for sharing - and best wishes with the restoration!
It’s bearing C3DZ-3517-A. Google it, available multiple places. I got mine from Dennis Carpenter Ford Restoration Parts for about $10 plus shipping.
Awesome - thanks for the info.
BTW - I got my bearing out easy-peasy following your tip - first soaked the bearing end with PB Blaster penetrating oil for couple nights and inserted a dowel slightly smaller than the diameter of the tube into the other end and slid it down - the bearing popped right out!