TR6 Steering Rack Finish

[Tim 72TR6]

I am doing an overhaul of the front suspension in my TR. I have been tidying up the steering rack prior to refitting it. The actual piece where the input goes into the rack and that houses the pinion gear appears to be an alloy casting. Should this be painted black ? It does have some black paint on some of it but not sure if this was added post factory. I know the main steel tube is indeed painted black.

All pictures of "new" steering racks are indeed black - but I wonder whether production cars were. 

I know this is a bit of an odd question. 

Tim 

[BlueTR3A-5EKT]

Certainly all the original Triumph Spares steering racks I have sold were painted black.  Cannot answer for what was on the car from new.

[Tim 72TR6]

Thanks for the information Peter.

its appreciated 

Tim