Hi guys,
Just thought I'd show some photos of the paint codes that I found on the rear axle of the '65 GS that I'm restoring. This is an all original Fremont, CA built GS, rust free, automatic transmission, 85,000 mile convertible. I know the complete history of this GS and have the original window sticker and protecto-plate info. I'm in the middle of doing a total body-off-the-frame restoration. The axle had the usual dirt and grease, but after scrubbing it down with soap and water, I was amazed to see all the paint codes still visible. It has the standard green paint bands around the axle tubes, indicating a 3.08 ratio as expected. The other two '65 GSs that I own also had the green bands. But this convertible also had an orange paint dab on the right axle tube only. From the literature that I've seen, this should indicate a posi. Knowing that it wasn't a posi, I still hoped that I could be mistaken. After removing the cover to verify, it's not a posi. Why the orange paint? Go figure. I also found on the bottom side of the differential an "LG" stamped in yellow paint. From my literature this indicates a 3.08 GS only. The GS ring and pinion gears are "lubrited" (see the GS supplement, section 6-1); I assume this means extra hardened steel. Also on the rear differential are two white painted bars. I have no clue what that could indicate. Any ideas? The rear axles also had a yellow paint dab on the very ends of the hubs. On the inside of the axle hub area, I found on both axles a pink paint ring. See photos.
I've just finished putting the powder coated frame back together. Replaced all the bearings, seals and gaskets. Complete new brake parts, except drums. New stainless steel brake and fuel lines. Next step is to put the body back on the frame.
Attached are photos of the rear axle, before and after.
John Egel (aka Nut465GS)