1961 fuel injection - how to restore it

[Steve G.]

Someone I know has an original '61 fuel injection setup and asked if I knew how to restore the outside of it to look as new / original. I have no idea, but thought I would pose the question here. Anyone know what to do? I am thinking the body is probably aluminum. Should it be buffed and clear coated? thanks, Steve

[Don H.]

Re: 1961 fuel injection - how to restore it

The easy way is to diss-assemble and bead blast. It will look nice but not correct (as original). There are people that can restore the original look of the aluminum, sometimes called re-skin. I think most of these people do not share how they do it. So it depends on what you're goal is with the car. Don H.

[Rick G.]

Re: 1961 fuel injection - how to restore it

Steve,

Check out the best site on the web on rochester fuel injection, JerryBramlett.net. I believe Jerry uses Fred Hudson for his aluminum refinishing. Fred and Jerry both advertise in the Driveline and are great guys.

[Paul Y.]

Re: 1961 fuel injection - how to restore it

Do Not Bead Blast!!!!!

[John D.]

Re: 1961 fuel injection - how to restore it

Someone I know has an original '61 fuel injection setup and asked if I knew how to restore the outside of it to look as new / original. I have no idea, but thought I would pose the question here. Anyone know what to do? I am thinking the body is probably aluminum. Should it be buffed and clear coated? thanks, Steve

Steve, It's early in the AM here so I am not quite sure where to start. 1st of all your can't just work on the outside of the castings. You have to disassemble the entire FI unit 100%.
But you just don't take screwdriver in hand to do so as you will get in trouble that will cost you a fortune to over come. Not being determental though.
My favorite FI info for your car is in the "Corvette Servicing Guide". Available at a discount from NCRS.
Haven't had breakfast yet so will make it short.
Casting refinishing. I used to send my castings to ASL in Sparks NV for many years. Then when they closed the doors I was forced to learn how to do it myself. That was this time of the year in 1998. Best thing that ever happened to me though.
Casting refinishing is an art best left to those that specialize in it. Attempts to refinish the aluminum by bead blasting it, polishin, plating, or other bubba work will result in failure at great expense.

What is your goal? Driving, local shows, or a nice NCRS blue ribbon? Meanwhile here is my experienced approach at working on a car. To me it doesn't matter what the car is being used for. When you work on a component try and make it as nice as possible as today you might be thinking of just a cruiser but tomorrow you might consider chasing the points. Good luck, John DeGregory.