Mark, Walt, Loren and Chris,
I found some literature about the paint codes on the rear axles. Thought I?d share this information here. (Just click on the attachment to view the PDF file which contains two pages.)
The first page is for 1965 Buicks. The second page is for 1965 Oldsmobiles. In the first chart you will see an ? LG ? code for 3.08 44 GS AUTO. This is what I found stamped on the underside of my Diff. Carrier. On the Buick page, it states that it was supposed to be stamped in yellow on the left brake drum. In contrast, on the Oldsmobile page, the MFG. AXLE CODE was to be stamped on the carrier, as it was on my GS. The letters were 1 ? inches high, stamped with yellow paint.
In the smaller chart on the Buick page, it has the COLOR CODES for the various ratios and whether posi or not. A 3.08 non posi should have white markings. I wonder if that is the purpose of the two short white bars on my carrier? If it were a posi, would it have one white and one orange? Mark, did you see any white paint markings? I just see the one orange paint mark on your carrier. Maybe indicating posi fluid added and quality checked? BTW, you did a fantastic job on recreating those paint markings.
What Walt said about the other orange marking that he found makes a lot of sense. Especially since they were also found on the fill plug. This could indicate that gear fluid was added. I also found similar marking on the drive shaft and u-joints. They did need to be greased. Like Loren said, these were quality control markings for inspections and completion of tasks, like adding proper fluids and grease. You still see these same markings and procedures on today?s assembly lines.
I have found no reference to the two green bands so far. Or the pink rings on the inside axle shafts. Or the yellow paint dab on the end of the axle hubs. You?d almost think that heavy duty GS axles would need some markings to differentiate themselves from the standard Skylark and Special axles. Loren, have you checked closely on your California Skylark axles yet? It would be great if you found any markings for comparison.
Just a lot of speculation on my part here. Thanks for letting me spew. Some people have called me anal. I think that I just have a touch of ?65 GS obsession. There is no cure.
John
