Holley 2818 Carb Finishes

[Donald T.]

I am working on restoring an original 2818, and some of the hardware finishes have me a bit confused. This carb was removed long ago and had never even been apart. It appears that all of the base plate hardware was either painted black or zinc plated (no dichromate), as can be seen in the first pic. Also, the choke rod appears to have been painted black as well. The fittings appear to be zinc plate. None of these parts show evidence of dichromate finish. I have had a couple of 2818s restored by Holley over the years, and these parts come back with the dichromate finishes. Also, other restored 2818s I have seen have had dichromate finishes as well. Any thoughts on the correct finishes for these parts?

[Joe C.]

Re: Holley 2818 Carb Finishes

I am working on restoring an original 2818, and some of the hardware finishes have me a bit confused. This carb was removed long ago and had never even been apart. It appears that all of the base plate hardware was either painted black or zinc plated (no dichromate), as can be seen in the first pic. Also, the choke rod appears to have been painted black as well. The fittings appear to be zinc plate. None of these parts show evidence of dichromate finish. I have had a couple of 2818s restored by Holley over the years, and these parts come back with the dichromate finishes. Also, other restored 2818s I have seen have had dichromate finishes as well. Any thoughts on the correct finishes for these parts?

The carb base and float bowl balance tube are natural aluminum.
The accelerator pump link is black phosphate.
The float adjuster jam nuts are clear zinc.
Everything else is zinc dichromate, including the fuel elbow, vacuum orifice elbow, secondary throttle shaft link, and choke link.
If you want pix, let me know, and I'll shoot some.

Joe

[Donald T.]

Re: Holley 2818 Carb Finishes

Thanks Joe. Yes, any pics would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Wayne M.]

Re: Holley 2818 Carb Finishes

..... It appears that all of the base plate hardware was either painted black or zinc plated (no dichromate), as can be seen in the first pic. Also, the choke rod appears to have been painted black as well. The fittings appear to be zinc plate. None of these parts show evidence of dichromate finish. Any thoughts on the correct finishes for these parts?

Donald -- I have a never-restored (but corroded and rusted) List 2818 dated 3A3 (Nov'63) and I concur with some of your observations. My choke rod and (secondary to primary) throttle connecting rod are black. I'd tend to agree with Joe that it's black phosphate, but it gives a bit of semi-gloss appearance when rubbed. Also, the Accel pump lever is the same black. The fuel inlet tube (banjo) to the primary bowl looks like cad plating on the part that was protected by the rubber fuel hose -- the rest is corroded / rusted.
Can provide pics if needed.

[Donald T.]

Re: Holley 2818 Carb Finishes

Thanks Wayne. I agree that black phosphate is more likely than paint. It does appear semi gloss when rubbed, just as you describe. The one I have is a 531 date code, and came off a late 65 vette. It does appear all original.

[Joe C.]

Re: Holley 2818 Carb Finishes

Thanks Joe. Yes, any pics would be helpful.

Thanks!

Donald,

My carb is dated 1st week, March, 1965.
It is a restored carb, done by Jerry Luck.
Let me know if you still want pictures.

Joe