'69 RS Vacuum Actuators - Restorable or?

[Hans L]

Are RS Vacuum Actuators restorable?   The internal piston seems to move fine (blows/sucks air); the exterior is slighty rusty/dirty - is it possible to have them replated without effecting the inside?

[69pace]

You can seal pin holes and some seam splits but in the long run it is only a temp fix once the integrity of the can has been compromised by rust or metal fatigue the life of the actuator is limited. The reproduction of the last few years are light years better then the ones available in the late 90's.

If you have a solid can that holds vacuum and piston moves with ease but just looks crappy you can scrub clean the can and spray coat to replicate the plating.

[Hans L]

Thanks.  The tanks are solid.  Only light surface rust.   I'll clean them up and determine how to get them refinished.  Good to hear the reproduction tanks are much improved.

[IZRSSS]

Hans FWIW; these actuators came highly recommended by a guy whose dealt with them a time or two; 69pace. http://secure.classichq.com/68-69-RS-HEADLAMP-VACUUM-ACTUATOR--P485C59.aspx

I have not switched mine out yet but if and when I do, these will be my choice unless something else come a long that's better. What attracted me to these is they look dead on and they're supposedly; Tested Individually, and come with a one year warranty. Not sure about the tested individually part but hard to beat the 1yr warranty. One would think if the thing is going to fail it'll darn sure do it before then.
 
I had some issues with the RS headlights a while back. If you are interested, here's the discussion;   
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=8300.0

[69pace]

Thanks.  The tanks are solid.  Only light surface rust.   I'll clean them up and determine how to get them refinished.  Good to hear the reproduction tanks are much improved.

Several spray can plating options out there for the original finish, and you can always use Rust-Oleum gold to help prevent new rust.  If you own a 69 and are using the actuator shields, then who is going to see them, then I would wire brush, heavy prime and then finish coat, just make sure you seal the ports and tape off the piston. Then use new rubber piston boots

[Steve Shauger]

The original repo actuators were worthless, as the internal seals leaked and and either they did not actuate at all or very weakly/slowly. Classic Headquarters corrected this issue sometime after 2000, and they work very well now. I have replaced them on several cars and they operate perfectly.

[JKZ27]

I've installed the CHQ actuators in two cars in the past 5 years and they work perfectly. The set in my 68 gets a lot of use.

[Hans L]

Good to know the reproductions have improved.   I'll probably go that route and store the originals.   Appreciate the feedback.