'69 distribution block color

[Mike S]

So what is the correct color for the distribution block?   Some here have suggested 60% gloss black while I conclude others are suggesting natural cast finish.

My master cylinder was clearly black, but it was inconclusive to what colors the distribution block and prop value were.

Hans,

  I can only speak for '67 but there was no evidence of black paint on the area of the block that was bolted to the bracket. I figured that would at least preserve it if it was there. I also checked my '67 LOS, totally original, and that too didn't have any paint under the portion of the casting that was under the bracket. So I left mine natural and put a coat of RPM on it. Same for the larger round valve. I did paint the MC semi flat though.

Mike

[little_hoss]

Lloyd,

That is a great method. That distribution block looked outstanding! Looked the process up online and it did look fairly simple. One question though; heat seasoning. Why do you heat season? How long and what temperature would you recommend? Toaster oven suitable for small parts? The wife wouldn't be to happy if she asked, "what are you cooking in the oven?", opened it up and it was full of car parts!

[69Z28-RS]

She probably wouldn't have to 'open up the oven'...  generally cooking car parts smells NOTHING at all like cake or roast..

PS.  I have an older counter top oven that I use in the garage for 'baking'..    as well as a single unit cooking hotplate 'eye'.. for heating up water for phosphate solution..

[z28z11]

I passivate mine with either a phosphate based cleaner (or Evaporust); you can use WD40 on non-critical (where you don't mind a little residue) parts to keep them from flash rusting when you get them out of the solution. The last tag I did is still rust free better than a year later, uncoated.

A tip - use steel wire to suspend the anode (sacrificial) side, not copper. I use Arm and Hammer baking soda detergent for the solution, a little goes along way. Don't let the part touch the sides or the bottom of the container (which should be plastic), battery chargers work great (10 amp is perfect for small parts). If you get ambitious, you'll need to step up the amperage.

Regards,
Steve

[little_hoss]

Thanks for the tips guys! Got an old master cylinder I'm going to try this on.

[68camaroz28]

So what is the correct color for the distribution block?   Some here have suggested 60% gloss black while I conclude others are suggesting natural cast finish.

My master cylinder was clearly black, but it was inconclusive to what colors the distribution block and prop value were.

Hans,

  I can only speak for '67 but there was no evidence of black paint on the area of the block that was bolted to the bracket. I figured that would at least preserve it if it was there. I also checked my '67 LOS, totally original, and that too didn't have any paint under the portion of the casting that was under the bracket. So I left mine natural and put a coat of RPM on it. Same for the larger round valve. I did paint the MC semi flat though.

Mike

I do not disagree with Mike is saying or has written but believe there were distribution blocks painted black from observations and have noted many round valves painted for sure. The distribution block seems to be the one most mysterious so IMHO it can be done both natural and black but again just my .02 checking cars which represents a small % of anything. Without any doubt the master cylinder was painted!

[m22mike]

Chick
 What did the block on Skips car look like ? Any sign of paint ?

Mike

[68camaroz28]

Chick
 What did the block on Skips car look like ? Any sign of paint ?

Mike

I thought so Mike but his 68 not. What have you found on cars done?

[m22mike]

Most have been buzzed or were rusted. And I probably may not have looked close enough on some.

Mike

[Mike S]

 I wonder if this is like the case with the M/C painted where some say it was and some, not, and some say it came both ways. In Jerry's book it states either was acceptable for the M/C and other valves.
 The fact that the yellow inspector mark survived and I didn't see any black paint around that area either is another reason I kept it raw.
I do like the raw look of the valves better.
  HA! I was telling my wife about this conversation and she rolled her eyes    and asked if the other women (your significant others) think you guys are just as crazy too to worry about if a part was painted or not or had this marking or that marking. I got a good chuckle out of that and told her; "you'd be surprised how deep in detail we can get.".

Mike

[KurtS]

The paint on the masters was really poor (and all were painted, IMO).
Could be the same on the valve, don't know....