'60 Distributer Cap

[Ted L.]

Hi all,

I just picked a D-308 Delco Remy, Patent Pending with no 'R' at the local SALVAGE yard (don't call it junk) for $10 bucks. After I got home and cleaned it up I discovered that it has a dark brown marbeling in the plastic except under the tops where the spark plug boots slid down over them. It was still nice and black there. The inside is also black. Could this be because of age and heat from the engine? In all other respects it appears to be correct.

Ted #32350

[Joe L.]

Re: '60 Distributer Cap

Ted-----

I suspect that it's age and heat. Also, if some degreasers were ever used on the engine (e.g. "Gunk"), they have a way of attacking plastics and altering their appearance in different ways, depending on the plastic.

[John M.]

Re: '60 Distributer Cap

Ted,
The brown chalked appearance that you describe is very common on caps that have been exposed to the sun in for years in salvage yards. If you are willing to spend the time, all but the worst caps can be returned to their original look with some fine wet-or-dry sand paper and posishing compounds. A little trial and error with several different compounds will probably yeild good results, and it keeps your hands busy while watching TV at night! Even the worst caps can be coated with a semi-gloss clear and with careful application can many times fool even the most critical judge.

Regards, John McGraw