Restoration ??

[Harvey S.]

I have a 66 BB and need to have the exhaust manifolds restored. Any suggestion as to doing them yourself versus sending them out.

Also, my original power antenna is in need of restoration. Any recommendations as to who is reputable for this work?

Any comments would be appreciated.

[John H.]

Re: Restoration ??

Harvey -

Dale at OEM Glass in Bloomington does power antennas - will lighten your wallet significantly.

[Harvey S.]

Re: Restoration ??

Thanks John. I'll give Dale a call.

[Joe L.]

Re: Restoration ??

Harvey-----

For the exhaust manifolds, I'd go with Jerry MacNeish (www.Z28Camaro.com). He will clean, Jet coat, and return the manifolds to you with 2 cans of ultra high heat cast blast paint. You paint the manifolds with the supplied paint, cure them on the car (or using a gas barbeque grille) and your manifolds will look like new for as long as you're likely to need them to.

[Michael L.]

Re: Restoration ??

Joe, does the BBQ method mess up the grill? I have considered that method but did not want to have the paint smell in food later on. Have you used the same grill you cook on? Just burn off the fumes by leaving the grill lit after?

[Joe L.]

Re: Restoration ??

Mike-----

Frankly, I would only use an old gas grille that was destined for the scrap heap for this job. I really doubt that it would create any problem and I'm virtually certain that there would be no toxicity created for food cooked on the grille later. However, "lingering odors" might create a taste problem, especially for those with sensitive palates.

[Jim S.]

Re: Restoration ??

I ran across www.C2powerantenna.com who restores 65-66 antenna's. His average price is $400.00 to restore yours and $650.00 outright. He also sells them on E-Bay.

I have not used his services and know nothing about him but he says his mast and tips are identical to OEM and has sold to NCRS judges with no complaints. He is also a NCRS member.

Dale at OEM Glass quoted me $525.00 to restore mine and said his mast tip is close to OEM but not exact. He also indicated he has not had any complaints.

I'm just trying to find the will power to pull the trigger for this much money for a driver.

[John H.]

Re: Restoration ??

Jerry did my '69 Z/28 manifolds five years ago - I didn't pre-bake them, just sprayed them, let the paint dry for a few days, bolted them on, and they heat-cured the first time I drove the car. They'll never rust.