C3-1971- Windshield wiper actuator color?

[Greg F.]

I want to simply refinish my windshield wiper actuator on my 71. I've tried to clean as best as possible. Can I simply smooth it out and repaint it?

Also, what is a good product to use? I rec'd a catalog from Eastwood recently and they have a "gold cad".

Thanks for the direction.

[Terry M.]

Re: C3-1971- Windshield wiper actuator color?

If you are talking about the wiper door actuator (looks like two pie plates attached together) -- Any gold paint will look exactly like what it is, gold paint, from closer than ten feet. If that makes you happy, and you have no intention of displaying the car with the hood open or don't display the car at all, go for the paint.

If you ever intend to have the car judged, or you are sensitive to passing spectators comments, have it plated. Zinc plating with a gold dichromate wash.

There is at least one source for this plating that advertises in The Driveline -- there may be more than one.

[Greg F.]

Re: C3-1971- Windshield wiper actuator color?

I do hope to have the car judged some day. With that said, should I pay the expense to have it plated or is it more cost effective to purchase a new one? I'm fairly certain mine is the original to the car. I want to keep my car as original as possible but I want to be smart about it too. Does a reproduction piece vary a lot from the originals?

Thanks,
Greg

[Alan S.]

Re: C3-1971- Windshield wiper actuator color?

Greg,
I believe member Bob Demmel, in Texas, rebuilds and replates wiper door and headlight actuators. He advertises in the DRIVELINE services section.
210-393-3958 Central Time.
Regards,
Alan

PS: The first time I was part of a Judging Team with him, he pointed out to me that he was easy to find in a crowd. Just look for the WALKING Q-TIP.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3-1971- Windshield wiper actuator color?

The reproductions usally have the metal tube with a shorter radius. I would have the originals plated they will score better.

[Tom L.]

Re: C3-1971- Windshield wiper actuator color?

Plating such a small part is not an expensive proposition. Steve at Detail Plating has done some very nice work for me for pleasantly reasonable prices. I think the web site is detailplating.com, or something similar.