Just sent out a bunch of diverter valve hoods to be replated.
have always done these in Grey phosphate - to match the many original NOS, and survivor ones I have saved.
Now I see in that new book that just came out....
the color is told to be either flat black paint, or Black Phosphate???
I have 32 hoods at the plater now - I want to get these right.
What is correct?
Thanks
Have you looked at the restored smog systems on Jerry's site? I don't know the difference between the grey and black, but there are several good pictures there, maybe you can tell.
Good idea - I just looked, his are Gray phosphate too - like I thought.
I have a bunch of examples in my shop - All the unmolested ones are/were gray.
But then I saw that reference and got worried.
Make a note for the 5th edition. :P
Mine is black.
Interesting -
The aluminum housing is pretty dark too - could it be dirt?
When i prepped the housings for the plater...
there were a few that really did appear to be black in color.
I wonder if they may have been done both ways - most of them were gray. ???
I have more than 50 examples.
There is a thin layer of engine grime on the aluminum part, but the hood is pretty clean.
The Phosphate coating on these hoods "IMO" could vary from a lighter gray to very dark, I have seen a bunch of original and NOS ones. It was note an exact science and there probably is no one correct shade.
I like the darker ones.
Mike
Thanks - I am going to plate them all Gray Phosphate-
I will tell the plater to get them as dark as he can.
Most seem to be gray with a few black here and there -
but those could have really been extra dark gray.
Seems to be no real consistency in the color - just whatever was coming out that day.
Dark Gray it is.
I could always feather in some black with some paint if i had to.
:)
Pacecarjeff,
Here are a couple of pic's of my diverter valve. They may give you a better look at the color. FORTUNATELY, I found a complete, correctly date coded, survivor smog system including the valve, pump, hoses, hose clamps, etc. My phosphate is a medium gray color. UNFORTUNATELY, several years ago had an overcharged battery spew acid and spot the cover and "GF" stamp. To say the least.....I was majorly P.O.'d. I rubbed the unit with oil and wiped it off to prevent any further corrosion.
Hope this helps and good luck with your plating.