71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

[Sheldon S.]

Can someone tell me what the finish is on a alternator fan for a 71BB, no air, Auto. Also if someone can either describe the shape and style of it or has a picture they copuld post or email me.
Thanks
Sheldon

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Can someone tell me what the finish is on a alternator fan for a 71BB, no air, Auto. Also if someone can either describe the shape and style of it or has a picture they copuld post or email me.
Thanks
Sheldon

Sheldon-----


The configuration of the 1971 alternator fan is shown below. This is an NOS example of the fan originally used, GM #1966990, and this particular piece dates from the early 70's.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Finish is silver -- probably zinc, but maybe cad

I'll let someone else try to describe it. Words fail me.

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Finish is silver -- probably zinc, but maybe cad

I'll let someone else try to describe it. Words fail me.

Terry-----


...a picture is worth a 1000 words, especially in this case.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

I absolutely agree Joe. I know what it should look like, but there is no way I would try to describe the nuances of that, or any other, alternator fan. Nice of you to post the photo.

[Ron G.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Guys,

After looking at many original and NOS examples, the best way I could describe it is possibly a type of a galvanized finish. Any thoughts?

- Ron

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Guys,

After looking at many original and NOS examples, the best way I could describe it is possibly a type of a galvanized finish. Any thoughts?

- Ron

Ron-----


Many were galvanized. They were stamped from "pre-punch" galvanized material (i.e. the fan blades were cut and stamped from galvanized sheet metal stock). This type of material can be easily identified by looking at the edges of the fan blade to confirm they are bare metal.

The example I pictured was actually electroplated. This particular SERVICE piece dates back to the early 70's so I am confident that these same pieces were also used in PRODUCTION. I expect that the Delco-Remy specification allowed for either electroplated or galvanized finish.

[Ron G.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Joe,

I know that when you bought one over the counter they were painted black. Not all of them were black over the counter, but some were.

- Ron

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 BB Alternator Fan Finish

Joe,

I know that when you bought one over the counter they were painted black. Not all of them were black over the counter, but some were.

- Ron

Ron------


I believe I have some earlier fans from the mid-to-late 60's that were painted black but I've not seen a 1969 or later fan that was. Of course, there may well be some. It's possible that the GM spec allowed for galvanized, electroplated, or painted.