1963 Corvette 327 c.i. Water Pump that needs . . .

[opelitis1]

a wee bit of cleaning.  Is it okay to sandblast the pump without destroying its originality?   
'63 Vette water pump p/n 3782609 with raised code GM 3 on the reverse of the water pump.  The beastie is valuable and therefore stands the question.

Thanks in advance Gentlemen!!
Ted
 

[william]

I have been in the hobby 41 years and have sandblasted plenty of parts. Were I to become involved with another restoration I would avoid sandblasting as much as possible. It can be extremely abrasive, eroding casting features such as numbers. Water pumps have internal parts including a bearing and you would have to ensure all the sand residue was removed from the housing.

I would disassemble the pump, soak the housing and cover in a solution such as evaporust. Then have it rebuilt.

[opelitis1]

3782609 and GM3 are on the front of the pump.  S3 in raised letter / number is on the rear.
Hope that did not mix anyone up with my miscue.!
Ted