phosphate coatings

[john peeling]

I was wondering if any one as figured out the major parts and thier coatings eg seat rails heat shields etc kind of like a grocerie list and if they could provide Thank you note oem paints that match these coatings are 45 dollars per spray can.

[Kent K.]

Re: phosphate coatings

IMHO no paint matches a treatment type of coating.
Kent #6201

[Chuck S.]

Re: phosphate coatings

I agree...No paint will match the actual phosphate coating. You can anticipate some judging point deductions for ANY painted finish that was originally natural or plated. In some cases, you may be able to slide by if you are really discrete and skillful in the use of paint.

In the case of the seat adjusters, use of paint is an unavoidable compromise unless you have the equipment and skill to disassemble the adjusters for true phosphate coating. I only made the OEM paint suggestion originally because this task is beyond the average gagage restorer. Are you sure the OEM paint price isn't for a six can carton??!! At $45 a can, it would STILL be a deal if they could truly match the coating. Paint is paint...even $45/can paint.

[Harmon C.]

Re: phosphate coatings

John
Phosphate coatings can be done at home. All you need is a heat source,a tank large enough for the parts,a thermometer,some distilled water,and a bottle of phosphate to mix with the water.

Lyle

[A L.]

Re: phosphate coatings

Lyle, this would be new for me, but I am willing to try it. Do you know where I could obtain some more information?
Thanks, AG

[Kennith H.]

Re: 62 Vette hard top

Back to the original question - is there a list available of components that require this coating? What years? Etc.?

[john peeling]

Re: 62 Vette hard top

Thanks guys for youre responce . First unless sales person was wrong 45 per can. yikes Second for a71 vette I was wondering if someone had alist of parts that needed coatings either gray or black that they may have done in their resto porject ( for example heat sheilds hood latches seat rails)This would be helpful Thanks again everyone

[Chuck S.]

Re: phosphate coatings

DOING THE PHOSPHATE COATING at home is not a problem; I've phosphated at home and written a detailed Corvette Restorer how-to article about a decade ago.

The problem for most of us is disassembling the seat adjusters, and then reassembling them after they've been refinished. The rivets used in those seat adjusters are REAL STEEL rivets, not soft aluminum or pop rivets...you'll need a big press and experience to set those.

Do you restore seat adjusters for others, Lyle?. If you don't, there's got to be money in it...just like fan clutches, alternators, starters, steering gears, differentials, transmissions, wiper motors, etc., etc. Com'n on man; share your gift with us.

[Chuck S.]

Re: 62 Vette hard top

There is no list...there would have to be a separate list for each generation, and then maybe for individual model years within the generations.

If you are restoring an original car from a moderate climate, you can make the list when you take the car apart. If the car has so much corrosion that the original finish on each item can not be determined, then it's a problem...you have to look at a lot of original cars, restored cars by people whose restoration skills you trust, and talk to a lot of excellent judges for the judging class of interest.

[Larry L.]

Re: 62 Vette hard top

John Peeling - did you grow up around the Xenia / Beavercreek Ohio area?

[Harmon C.]

Re: phosphate coatings

Chuck
I do not restore seat adjusters for others and for the purist my method would not be good enough and could result in the same deduction as paint. I have said before I phosphate the assembly and hope the judge takes a quick look and does not look up under the seat for the top half color or the rivets as they change color but not totally as I only prepare the bottoms for phosphate coating.
Lyle

[Chuck S.]

Re: phosphate coatings

My misunderstanding...I thought you were taking them apart.

But, thinking about your technique has given me an idea. Why not apply a protective paint coat (preferably lacquer based) to the natural top portion of the adjuster and the rivets? Then, once the phosphate process is done, the paint could be removed with lacquer thinner. I may give that a try myself.

[john peeling]

Re: 62 Vette hard top

No Iwas born in S Dakota lived most of my life in Ct and NY why?

[Grant W.]

Re: phosphate coatings

Take a look at ebay 110097530267 This is the grey zinc phosphate you need. What I have 8 litres left. I have to buy some more plastic containers and it'll take a week. My supply is dwindling down. This is the first time available since ASL had it in the early 80's There isn't going to be any more that I will buy. Very difficult solution to get and it took me 15 years to find it. Too much red tape to deal with. Thanks, Grant

[Chuck S.]

Re: phosphate coatings

Actually, the gray is a little on the light side IMO...black (manganese) phosphate can vary from gray to almost black depending on the immersion time and the alloy of the steel used for the part. I still have an old original bottle of gray (zinc) phosphate bottle from ASL...Don Dorfman said it would work for black, but you have to leave the part in longer. I'll probably never use it.

I also thought we would never have another source once the old guy I bought my quart of manganese phosphate solution disappeared. I did an internet search and I found that phosphate finishing is also used by gunsmiths (parkerizing) and old motorcycle restorers. When you need some more solution, try the link below.




Calvan.com