69 smog pump resto

[Danzo]

Guys what are you doing/using to achieve the factory look on the outer skin?
Thanks, Doc.

[ZLP955]

If your pump casing is just dirty, it should come up pretty good with warm water and detergent. If it's corroded/oxidised then it will need something more aggressive, maybe a good starting point would be a careful application of oven cleaner. I think the biggest hurdle to soaking the outer casting is being able to separate the inner parts, one of the bearings is difficult to remove.
I've still got to do mine, although the look I'm after is unrestored rather than just-off-the-line. So will be following this for tips!

[Fred Mertz]

If you are not in a "smog" state taking out the vanes and plugging hoses helps.  Still looks stock.

[Danzo]

Anyone else?

[169INDY]

OK, you asked as a lot of guys have different methods with varying results
(MINE) 1st choice send it to a vendor who specializes in reskinning.
DIY (For me) (If possible very very ow pressure gentile  glass bead)
Eagle Mag Cleaner brush on and rinse,
then PPG products DX 579 cleaner brush on and rinse
then PPG product DX 501 conditioner brightener brush on soak and gently burnish

This is exactly what I did to my 403 bellhousing in my build thread.

I have no access to a large vibratory tumbler, so results may vary

Jim

[bertfam]

You have to be VERY careful with reskinning or tumbling. Smog pumps originally had machine extruding marks and these can easily be removed if you're not careful.

The attached picture is of an NOS smog pump dated 2568 (256th day of 1968). Notice the extrusion marks next to the fan. Once removed it's almost impossible to recreate!

Ed

[Danzo]

Jim, do you have any pictures?
Thanks, Doc.

[169INDY]

page #5 of this build thread.
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=15748.60

to obtain the results Ed has posted will be $1,200 dollars and a willing seller!

[Danzo]

Ed does that pump have some kind of manufacturer/factory"coating"? The machined circles look much brighter than the pump body. What does a "Hodel" pump look like finished?
Thanks, Doc.

[bertfam]

Ed does that pump have some kind of manufacturer/factory"coating"?

Nope. Just raw aluminum. It's been in the original box since 1968, in the dark, in the garage. It belongs to Joe Lucia from the NCRS.

Ed

[Danzo]

Here what I have after cleaning 49+ years of oxidation, dirt, orange paint. I can clearly see the extrusion marks that Ed pointed out. Do you think it is too shiny or should I just flat clear it and call it done?
Thanks, Doc.

[bertfam]

Yes, WAY too shiny. But I don't know what you would have to do to get it to mimic what it originally looked like.

Ed

[ZLP955]

Doc what did you clean it with?

[Danzo]

A combination of steel wool and wire wheels. Anyone have any experience with "dulling" aluminum? Read some good and bad posts about oven cleaner. Anyone know what Bill Hodel does to finish his?
Thanks, Doc.

[bertfam]

Anyone have any experience with "dulling" aluminum?

Yeah, leave it out in the weather for a few years!!

But seriously, and I hate to say this, but you may have ruined it with the steel wool and wire wheel. You've removed most of the extrusion marks. I would call Bill at 330-832-0871 and send him to pictures. He may have some ideas for you.

Ed