Author Topic: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug  (Read 9052 times)

Edgemontvillage

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1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« 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)



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





Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #1 on: June 25, 2017, 03:11:24 PM »
Anyone?

ZLP955

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #2 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 $.
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

68camaroz28

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #3 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.
Chick
68 Z/28 NOR 01B Orig motor/trans/rear
69 Z/28 NOR 07A Orig Block & GM Cross-ram/carbs
69 L34 Rest. Nova Father/Son Car
69 L78 Surv Nova Purch 4/69 31K miles
67 L89 Corv Tribute
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R 68Z build- http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=182584

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #4 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.

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #5 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!

KevinW

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2017, 11:54:29 AM »
I use fototime, links are still working for me

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #7 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.


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.

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #8 on: July 13, 2017, 04:59:16 AM »
Out with the incorrect...

ZLP955

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #9 on: July 13, 2017, 08:27:58 AM »
Looks good Lloyd
Tim in Australia.
1969 04A Van Nuys Z/28. Cortez Silver, Dark Blue interior, VE3, Z21, Z23, D55/U17, D80, flat hood.
Sold at Clippinger Chevrolet in Covina, CA.
AHRA Formula Stock at Lions Dragstrip, NHRA E/MP at Pomona Raceway

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #10 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:
 

New Stamping vs Jobber zinc plated plug (haven't unwrapped the reskinned manifold...)
 

Reverse side of factory original 472 manifold with expansion plug (unplated steel)
 







BULLITT65

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #11 on: July 15, 2017, 07:24:47 AM »
that looks good. WTG seeing this project through. Sometimes it the little things that get ya...
1969 garnet red Z/28 46k mile unrestored X77
-Looking for 3192477 (front) spiral shocks 3192851 (rear)
-Looking for an original LOF soft ray windshield
-Looking for original Delco side post negative battery cable part # 6297651AV

Charley

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #12 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.

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #13 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!

Edgemontvillage

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Re: 1969 Z/28 Camaro "472" Intake Manifold Expansion Plug
« Reply #14 on: July 17, 2017, 03:28:39 PM »
Correct Plug Installed


 

anything