C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

[Gerard F.]

The picture below is of a single piece alternator fan-pulley after about 4 hours soaking in a dilute solution of Jasco Metal Etch and some light buffing with a nylok wheel.


Here's what it looked like before:


Looks like the finish underlying the gray phosphate is zinc plating. I now want to finish this fan/pulley in correct gray phosphate.

Does someone know the process for gray phosphate or what products to use.
Can someone post a picture of a correctly finished one piece fan pulley.

Thanks in advance.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Scott Marzahl]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

I just saw an add in the Sep Oct Driveline for quarts of grey phosphate solution

[Mike Geary]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

Jerry: With the correct chemical solution, you just heat it up (don't let your wife catch you) and let the part simmer until you've grown a nice even layer of phosphate coating. It's a crystalline structure that will twinkle in direct sunlight. I used to get the chemicals from Don Dorfman at ASL-Reno, but I'm not sure he's back in the game following personal situation.

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

Thanks guys, I've got the chemical solution on the way. What temperature do you cook it at, or do you bring it to a boil like spaghetti? I've got a spare crockpot in the garage, but can also bring it to a boil. I've been through the other route with the wife's equipment.

Jerry Fuccillo

[Randy R.]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

I purchased some gray phosphate solution from shootersolution.com. I placed the solution in a ice cream pail and heated it in a microwave. This was a lot easier than using a stainless container on a stove.

[Mike G.]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

Jerry: I did my clutch pushrod using ASL's solution, and heated it on my BarBQ in a stainless steel hot table pan (a la buffet line). Got it up to just under a boil. Took about 20 minutes to get a nice even appearance.

By the way, those shallow stainless hot table pans are just the handiest thing in the garage --for stripping, working on carburetors, even wet sanding small parts. Best $20 I ever spent, and they NEVER wear out. To clean 'em, just scotch-brite with a little acetone.

[Timothy B.]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

What is a hot table pan???

[John H.]

Re: C2:67 How does one do gray phosphate?

Like the stainless serving pans you find on a steam table in a cafeteria hot-food buffet line.