C1 Heater Control Valve Finish

[Rick C.]

I'm trying to figure out what my 62's heater control valve finish should be. Here's a picture of what it looked like before removing from the car. To me, it looks like it must have been natural:
Heater control valve 2.jpg

Here's a picture of one that was part of a project Rich Mozzetta posted. It doesn't look there's any paint on this one either:

2 Before 2.jpg

The 61-61 Judging Manual is in black and white and it's hard to tell what the finish is on those heater control valve pictured. The 58-60 manual shows heater control valves that are restored in black. Also, When Rich finished his, he did it in black. Any thoughts on what the original finish was? Maybe the paint was such poor quality that it didn't last even though the valve is in the interior of the car? Rich, if you're here, I'd appreciate your input!

Thanks,
Rick

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 Heater Control Valve Finish

Hi Rick,

I have several original valves I have saved away but far away from home, but pretty sure they were a lightly coated black finish.

If you remove your capillary tube bracket clamp it may show telltale marks of black under the edges on the valve body, or if no black it may be a natural. But when I zoom in on yours, I see a trace of black lower left of the tube clamp.

My gut tells me black because they probably wanted to protect them from rusting in production when on the shelves at assembly.

Also, if you remove your temp control cable clamp look under it for paint.

Rich

[Hank D.]

[Rick C.]

Re: C1 Heater Control Valve Finish

Thank you, Rich and Hank! I noticed that the one for sale on the Corvette Forum is also black.

Rick

[Leo G.]

Re: C1 Heater Control Valve Finish

IMG_0387.jpgHere are some photos of my 61 heater and control valve. I painted the blower housing many years ago but never touched the heater control valve as far as refinishing goes. IMG_0386.jpg

Drive em safe
Leo