CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Restoration => Topic started by: Edgemontvillage on June 20, 2017, 06:34:45 PM

Title: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on June 20, 2017, 06:34:45 PM
The original, steel intake expansion plug from my 472 intake manifold was lost. I sent the intake to a well known restoration shop for re-skinning and was surprised to see the replacement plug they used was stamped with manufacturers' marks.  The original, factory installed 1 1/4" plugs had no marks so what I now have is incorrect. I have been trying to source a correct replacement steel plug and have ordered them from eBay sellers as well as HBC. Despite the item photos they all arrive with some form of manufacturers' stamping marks. I have even tried to grind out the stamp however the result is not suitable for a quality restoration. The original 302 from my Z/28 which is being rebuilt needed a set of replacement frost plugs which I was able to source from a Corvette restoration parts supplier with no manufacturers' stamping marks however I've been unable to locate a correct replacement intake expansion plug. Anyone have a confirmed source for unstamped, 1 1/4" steel intake expansion plugs?  

472 Intake with an incorrect replacement steel expansion plug showing stamped manufacturers' marks highlighted (source: eBay)

(http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z396/edgemontvillage/472%20Intake%20Expansion%20Plug%20Highlighted_zpsvilzfebu.jpg)

Typical frost / expansion plugs with stamped manufacturers' marks (source: Google images)

(http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z396/edgemontvillage/472%20Intake%20Expansion%20Plug%20Stamped_zpsqjjegprb.jpg)


Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on June 25, 2017, 03:11:24 PM
Anyone?
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: ZLP955 on June 25, 2017, 03:36:03 PM
Not aware of a source for an unstamped plug, but I'm sure a CNC machining company could run a few off for you if provided with one of the replacements to ensure dimensionally correct. May cost a little up front, but a limited batch could probably be sold to like-minded restorers to recoup some $.
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: 68camaroz28 on June 25, 2017, 05:12:48 PM
Lloyd, don't know about manifold plug but for everyone's knowledge the "frost plugs" as you called them are still or were available from GM and still have the same look as originals with no other stampings.
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on June 26, 2017, 03:29:18 AM
Lloyd, don't know about manifold plug but for everyone's knowledge the "frost plugs" as you called them are still or were available from GM and still have the same look as originals with no other stampings.

Chick, thanks, I've taken care of the frost plugs (casting plugs) however still trying to solve for the 1 1/4" intake manifold plug. Enio (Eddie) offered to machine a stamped plug to remove the stamping for me which sounds like a possible solution. I'd like to find an unstamped one.
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on June 30, 2017, 04:25:05 PM
I received notice from Photobucket that their free 3rd party hosting (photo linking) is now fee for service only at $400 per year - wow.  I need another solution!
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: KevinW on July 01, 2017, 11:54:29 AM
I use fototime, links are still working for me
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 13, 2017, 03:26:05 AM
I received this photo of an original, unrestored 472 intake (underside view) with its factory installed expansion plug. As with the original plug from my intake its unplated steel.
(http://www.fototime.com/274880EE6ED0D01/medium.jpg)

I wasn't able to locate a new or suitable mint expansion plug (1 1/4", steel, unplated, unstamped) contacted a small freeze plug company who did a custom run for me. I have several available.
(http://www.fototime.com/2A29135CE2D298A/medium.jpg)
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 13, 2017, 04:59:16 AM
Out with the incorrect...
(http://www.fototime.com/9199AE8E6AADCBB/medium.jpg)
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: ZLP955 on July 13, 2017, 08:27:58 AM
Looks good Lloyd
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 14, 2017, 05:14:00 AM
Still experimenting with image hosting alternatives to Photobucket. Here are some Flickr hosted photo renderings:

New intake expansion plug stamping, 1 1/4" unplated steel, no mfg markings:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4283/35911083785_f89dc8ca8b_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WHkG5Z) (https://flic.kr/p/WHkG5Z)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156633854@N02/)

New Stamping vs Jobber zinc plated plug (haven't unwrapped the reskinned manifold...)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4284/35911084495_d697f2766c_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WHkGie) (https://flic.kr/p/WHkGie)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156633854@N02/)

Reverse side of factory original 472 manifold with expansion plug (unplated steel)
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4262/35741483972_be722613f9_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WsmrYh) (https://flic.kr/p/WsmrYh)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156633854@N02/)






Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: BULLITT65 on July 15, 2017, 07:24:47 AM
that looks good. WTG seeing this project through. Sometimes it the little things that get ya...
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Charley on July 16, 2017, 03:44:13 PM
Maybe you can sell some of those plugs to the resto shop that put the wrong plug in your manifold so others don't have to do what you just did.
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 17, 2017, 03:26:46 PM
Maybe you can sell some of those plugs to the resto shop that put the wrong plug in your manifold so others don't have to do what you just did.

Interesting thought, however if anyone needs a correct plug I still have plenty!
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 17, 2017, 03:28:39 PM
Correct Plug Installed

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4324/35779851242_43ff10ec11_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WvK6dW) (https://flic.kr/p/WvK6dW)  (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156633854@N02/)
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 17, 2017, 04:07:17 PM
that looks good. WTG seeing this project through. Sometimes it the little things that get ya...

Thanks. Painstaking but worth sweating the details.
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on July 22, 2017, 05:06:42 PM
Correct plug installed

(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4324/35779851242_43ff10ec11_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/WvK6dW) (https://flic.kr/p/WvK6dW)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156633854@N02/)
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: 1968RSZ28 on July 22, 2017, 05:11:44 PM
Looking good! 8)

Paul
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Dave69x33 on January 16, 2024, 05:16:50 PM
Lloyd,

Just ran across this topic and interested in one of your unmarked plugs is you still have any spares.  I am planning to restore a replacement "472" intake for my '69Z and the only details needed are this press in plug and the pipe plug that has a square pocket design for the drive in tool.

Thanks,

Dave
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on January 18, 2024, 03:32:33 AM
Hi Dave, I have a few available, sent you a PM.

Lloyd.
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Dave69x33 on January 21, 2024, 11:50:21 AM
Lloyd,

How did you remove and install the new freeze plug?  With heat, special press tool?

Did you or the one who restored your intake remove the (2) pipe plugs and the heater core hose fitting?

Jerry MacNeish restored one of my 472 intakes. It appears he left the freeze plug in the manifold when it was “reskinned” or bead blasted as the freeze plug has the appearance of being blasted.

Thanks,
Dave
Title: Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
Post by: Edgemontvillage on January 25, 2024, 04:36:44 AM
Dave, to install the intake plug I tap it in using a mallet and a socket (upside down) on the lip of the plug. Once it’s flush to the intake then I use a smaller socket to set it about 1/8” below flush. They are a tight fit but don’t require a press to install. If the plug is really tight I ease the aluminum with sandpaper or I’ll leave the plug in the freezer overnight to shrink it. When I restore an intake I use dry media, vapour blasting and ceramic tumbling for the best result. I always remove all the fittings and re-plate them as well I remove the underside heat shield.