69 Washer Nozzle Finish

[69z28302]

Thanks. I believe I'll have mine plated

Mike

[Danzo]

Guys, resurrecting this thread, came across this pair from a 69 survivor. Seems to confirm what JohnZ was saying. I have seen many others that were down to the copper. Any idea what the "cement" was to affix them to the top of the firewall? AIM lists"3840733 cement plastic seam"                                                                                     
Post #7 "buffing with a scotch brite pad I notice it's a copper tube"
Post #9 "When new, they had a blackish plating or coating on them"
Post #12 "That surface is gone on my originals after 42 years of exposure, but they had some sort of blackish coating when new"
Post #14 "My personal example (68LOS) I chipped away a few layers of paint and found a dull silver coating on top of copper tube"
Thanks, Doc.

[z28z11]

Pretty sure it's "dum dum" - stuff sticks in place like no tomorrow. 3M strip caulk is pretty close.

All of my nozzles have the appearance of a zinc finish, weathers out to a dull grey.

Regards,
Steve

[69Z28-RS]

I agree with Steve,   The original material used to hold the WS washer nozzle hard lines in place on top of the cowl was the 3M gray strip caulk (on my car).

I need to go look again at the headlight washer nozzles; I believe they are/were chrome, but I'll check to make sure.

[169INDY]

1968 86k Mile (LOS)

[Edgemontvillage]

Here is an NOS set of washer nozzles that I sourced some time ago for my 1969 Z/28 project. They have been properly stored so they don't show much aging and have a distinct "spring steel like" dark blue/black finish on the tubes (not well represented in the photo) and clear zinc finish on the securing tabs. The tubes are not aged natural steel or aged zinc plating. The finish is consistent with John H's (John Z) post "when new they had a blackish plating or coating on them". 

[firstgenaddict]

Lloyd does it appear that the solder attaching the "tab" is "flowing" over the black finish?

MY GUESS is that the original finish is Black passivated Zinc plating.
If not mistaken the base metal of the tubes is copper which would oxidize and be difficult to solder without further prep - aesthetically copper or even zinc would be out of place sticking out of the slots in the wiper grille, black would be preferrable insofar as concealment goes.

[Edgemontvillage]

Lloyd does it appear that the solder attaching the "tab" is "flowing" over the black finish?

MY GUESS is that the original finish is Black passivated Zinc plating.
If not mistaken the base metal of the tubes is copper which would oxidize and be difficult to solder without further prep - aesthetically copper or even zinc would be out of place sticking out of the slots in the wiper grille, black would be preferrable insofar as concealment goes.

James, yes solder is visible on the tabs where they connect to the pipes. It's possible that a black dichromate or black zinc oxide coating was applied originally and has aged to give a spring steel appearance.    

[169INDY]

Looked at a Bunch of vintage road test articles.
Zinc Plated - Silver.
Unless there was a change? (Since I primary look at the 68's.)
Very Very Clear on Color Photo: Kelly Chadwicks 1968 Super Stock PHR
Black & White Photos, Bill Thomas Road Test 427,  1968 GM Engine Photo.

Posted Vintage 69Z shot.

"Technically, zinc plating on copper is not a problem. However, diffusion of the zinc into the copper will occur. If the zinc plating is not of sufficient thickness it may seem to disappear! "