Diverter valve question

[Pacecarjeff]

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

[68Zproject]

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.

[Pacecarjeff]

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. 

[Gambitt]

Mine is black.

[Pacecarjeff]

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.

[Gambitt]

There is a thin layer of engine grime on the aluminum part, but the hood is pretty clean.

[m22mike]

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

[Pacecarjeff]

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.

[Dave69x33]

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.