Sidepipe restoration

[Henry S.]

Hi,
I am restoring a 67 and have started on the sidepipes. I have taken the covers to be buffed out and repaired. The insulators were in good shape outside of needed painted. I painted them with a semi-gross hi-temp black. My question is what adhesive can I use to "glue" the insulators to the covers? I did a search of the archives and couldn't find anything (unless I didn't search the correct word).

Thank you
Shooter

[Jeff S.]

Re: Sidepipe restoration

Epoxo 88 is a two-part adhesive used in marine, aviation and rocketry. it has good high temperature characteristics.

http://www.asp-rocketry.com/store/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=932&Category=247

Also, good luck trying to "buff" hard-anodized aluminum on the covers!

[Mike G.]

Fuhgeddabouditt...

Don't waste your time trying to buff through the clear anodize crystalline layer to get to the underlying aluminum.

All is not lost however. You can sand off the anodize with emery cloth and a small, hard block. Or you can use a flapper type sanding wheel -- my preference. Then you can work your way through finer grits up to about 400. Now you can go to the wheel.

The ribs will buff up great. Actually too nice. Now you can either clear coat them or just apply a little wax to retard oxidation.

One tip: while you're working on the ribs, protect the frosted recessed surfaces with tape. If you mar them, no problem. Just paint them with Krylon Hi-Heat Aluminum. It's so close that it's scary.

[Henry S.]

Re: Sidepipe restoration

Jeff,
Thank you for the response. I will order the Epoxo 88. Yes, the covers are a bitch.

Take care,
Shooter

[Henry S.]

Re: Fuhgeddabouditt...

Mike,
I've not been involved that long with Corvettes so don't know all the different finishes on the parts. I do know the clear anodize crystalline layer is one of the toughest I've come across. I have also found the flapper type sanding wheel works good. I have taken the covers to a retired body man to do the restoration. He said he has worked on covers before and had good success. Before I took them to him I had sanded through the layer to get to the aluminum. I told him I would take care of the frosted areas so I'll get the Krylon Hi-Heat Aluminum. He also said if I didn't get it anadized again I would have to keep a coat of wax on them to retard oxidation.
Thanks Mike,
Shooter

[Steve M.]

Re: Sidepipe restoration

Does anyone know if a screw hole can be filled/repaired on a cover and look good? Thanks, Steve

[Mike G.]

Re: Sidepipe restoration

Steve: If the hole is not in a "shiny" area, no problem. Fill it with JB Weld and touch up with Krylon High Heat Aluminum.

Now it its in a polished area, you may have to resort to applying model builder's chrome foil on top of your repair. Not perfect, but a good ten-foot repair.