Lead tag for ZF steering box

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Dave Whittick
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Lead tag for ZF steering box

#1 Post by Dave Whittick »

Is there a source to buy a reproduction tag to finish my steering box restoration or can somebody post detailed pictures so I can make one myself?

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#2 Post by Mike Wilson »

I haven't seen a reproduction tag. I have worked on a few boxes and for the tag, I've used thin wire and a small egg-shaped fishing sinker, the kind with the hole in the center. Run the wire through the hole in the bolt and through the sinker then crimp it flat with Vise Grips. Unfortunately, the ZF isn't replicated but maybe a stamp could be made.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

Dave Whittick
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#3 Post by Dave Whittick »

Would you happen to have a picture of a tag?

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#4 Post by Mike Wilson »

I do. I'll send them to you via your email.

Mike
Mike Wilson
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'63 B coupe

Brad Ripley
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#5 Post by Brad Ripley »

Lead seal with ZF logo photo below -- originally posted by Jon Bunin -- you can often save the lead by carefully opening it up and saving the thin wire. The wire went thru the longest top cover bolt with the hole thru the thread. Jon's photo showed it painted. Question would be: did they put the seal on before painting the complete finished unit? so the wire and seal would be unpainted?
And don't forget the red and yellow paint inspection marks on the top cover.

If you were doing up several steering boxes, you might want to source lead tags like this https://www.sustainablesupply.com/lead- ... 6-c1753032 plus special piers with a die to imprint the ZF logo.
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ZF seal 1.jpg
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Mike Wilson
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#6 Post by Mike Wilson »

Thanks for the pic and info, Brad.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#7 Post by Mike Wilson »

McMaster Carr also has these. Search their website for "lead seals" then scroll down to "build your own..." Seals available in different diameters. Wire also available starting in 6 inch lengths. Available in lots of 100 but pretty inexpensive.

Mike
Mike Wilson
Lomita, CA
'63 B coupe

Dave Whittick
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#8 Post by Dave Whittick »

Brad Ripley wrote:Lead seal with ZF logo photo below -- originally posted by Jon Bunin -- you can often save the lead by carefully opening it up and saving the thin wire. The wire went thru the longest top cover bolt with the hole thru the thread. Jon's photo showed it painted. Question would be: did they put the seal on before painting the complete finished unit? so the wire and seal would be unpainted?
And don't forget the red and yellow paint inspection marks on the top cover.

If you were doing up several steering boxes, you might want to source lead tags like this https://www.sustainablesupply.com/lead- ... 6-c1753032 plus special piers with a die to imprint the ZF logo.
Awesome post! Thanks for the help.

Scott Schneider
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#9 Post by Scott Schneider »

Dave,

I have done a few of these using lead sealing tags and a crimper along with some stainless safety wire. If you would like I can send you some lead seals and the crimper. Unfortunately the crimper does not have the ZF logo but it's a start.

Scott Schneider
1959 Conv D

Dave Whittick
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#10 Post by Dave Whittick »

Scott Schneider wrote: ↑Fri Mar 01, 2019 1:53 am Dave,

I have done a few of these using lead sealing tags and a crimper along with some stainless safety wire. If you would like I can send you some lead seals and the crimper. Unfortunately the crimper does not have the ZF logo but it's a start.

Scott Schneider
1959 Conv D
Thanks for the offer Scott. I just receiver my own crimper and lead tags today. My plan is to make a die to imprint the ZF into the tags.

JohnPierce
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#11 Post by JohnPierce »

Dave, let us know how it turns out!! You may have a new career :)
1963 B T6 Project

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Eric McKinley
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#12 Post by Eric McKinley »

A definite side line, I'll take one if you decide to sell, a nice finishing touch.

Dave Whittick
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#13 Post by Dave Whittick »

It took some time to get the CAD drawing done. Just have to invert the die so the logo is raised instead of embossed. Getting close.
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Last edited by Dave Whittick on Fri Nov 01, 2019 9:41 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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Mike Wilson
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#14 Post by Mike Wilson »

đź‘Ť

Mike
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Joris Koning
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Re: Lead tag for ZF steering box

#15 Post by Joris Koning »

Very cool Dave!
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