68-72 Actuator Relays

[Steven C.]

I have a shelf full of original, but leaking, actuator relay valves for early sharks. I know the catalogs sell repos but does anyone repair them?

[Dick W.]

Re: 68-72 Actuator Relays

Sal Carbone repairs them. Contact him at rpovette@aol.com

[Pat M.]

Re: 68-72 Actuator Relays

What I've done is to buy brand new relays, still available from GM under #5638427, and carefully pry open the ring that holds down the top "pie plate". Then, I've gotten original 70 relays that weren't working, pried off the original tops, put those tops on the brand new relay body, and carefully re-crimped the ring back down. I then had the whole thing re-plated, resulting in a brand new, correctly-configured relay that works perfectly.

[Steven C.]

Re: 68-72 Actuator Relays

Thanks Dick and Pat.

I assume the re-crimping is just a matter of snapping the top back on with no special tool required to re-seal it?

[Bill C.]

Re: 68-72 Actuator Relays

I had Bob Demmel rebuild mine. Did a GREAT job!

Always best to keep the original ones and rebuild/replate them.

[Pat M.]

Re: 68-72 Actuator Relays

Thanks Dick and Pat.

I assume the re-crimping is just a matter of snapping the top back on with no special tool required to re-seal it?

No special tool needed, the re-crimped ring will seal the top against the rubber gasket. But you'll need a clamp to hold the top down against the large spring to begin re-crimping.
It is a bit of a trick to pry the ring off in good shape, so I'd practice on an old one first and go slow. Also, for the best appearance, only pry open the bottom of the ring, pry open the minimum required to remove the top, and re-crimp the ring with the pried-open side down. Good Luck