Should I clearcoat the alternator

[Hans R.]

I'm about to buy an alternator from Ken Bruno Motorsports. He says he can clear coat the restored alternator which will keep the aluminum from oxidizing rapidly. And that the clear coat is basically invisible. I want to keep my car as original as possible and at NCRS standards. Anyone that has any experience on this? What's the advise from you guys?
Hans Ryden #868

[Joe L.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

Hans-----

Personally, I recommend it. I use a VERY light, "mist" coat of satin or low gloss finish urethane. This not only prevents oxidation but also seals the aluminum surface so that any oil or grease that might subsequently get on it can be removed easily and without "staining".

[Gregory M.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

It has been my experience that any clear coat will yellow over time leaving your aluminum looking goldish...not desirable at all...I have done intakes and the like and it wont be immediate, but in a year or so it will...

GM

[John L.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

I purchased a rebuilt alternator from Ken a couple years ago. He did a beautiful job. The only very slight down was that the Diode stamping was not quite up to par with Pirkle's work, however that may be different now. The alternator was not clearcoated and still looks brand new today and works perfect as well. I do agree that after time clearcoat will yellow. You will probably lose one point during judging for the clearcoat -- your choice.

[Joe L.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

John, et al-----

Some clearcoats definitely do yellow with time and after exposure to UV and/or heat. However, I have found that there are some that do not. Eastwood's "Nyalac" does not, but it's too glossy for most restoration purposes. When it is used, it's obvious that a clearcoat has been applied.

I have found that clear urethanes don't seem to yellow. Also, I've had excellent success in this regard with the low gloss clear once available from Quanta. However, I don't think that Quanta carries this anymore.

[Edward S.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

John, had Ken do an alternator for me about 6 months ago - still works the same, beautiful work except for Diode stamping appears to be blurred compared to Pirkle.

[nancy charles]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

had mine done by ken in the fall of 2004 had him coat it ,still looks great after almost 4 years , great work with with outstanding results. i say go for it......... NANCY

[John L.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

Joe -- you are correct re Nyalac it does not yellow. Gosh I forgot all about that product. After using Krylon for so long it automatically comes to my mind.

[John D.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

Hans,If you are planning on having your car judged stay away from the clear coats. You did say you wanted to keep your car as original as possible and NCRS Standards. Well then clear coat in any form is not way to go. Today under the bright neon lights inside the big arenas the clear coat stands out in the crowd. The judges will nail you big time. Nothing on my 63 show car is clear coated. Not even the paint. JD

[Bill W.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

yea John ! Some people think these cars are there grand mothers chairs and should be sealed in plastic. If you have bare metal wipe it down or soak it in light oil it will last a long long time . and you wont need to ask about losing points .Bill

[Matthew S.]

Re: Should I clearcoat the alternator

Hans,

Ken Bruno did an alternator for me two years ago and he clear coated it. I've had the car judged twice (one regional and one national) and didn't lose a single point because of the clearcoat.

Also, I had a problem with the alternator several months after I got it from Ken and he took care of the problem immediately. He's a great guy to deal with.

Good luck!!