Carburator Re-Coloring

[Jerry C.]

I had to replace fuel bowls on tri-power carbs. The color between the new bowls and existing carbs do not match. I know there are businesses which specialize in re-coloring carb body parts. I'm looking for information on such businesses so I can deal with them directly instead of a carb rebuilding business which acts as a middleman. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jerry

[John D.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Jerry, My friend Bob Kuntz and son did a nice job on coloring the castings. I heard that Bob had retired from rebuilding carbs but he started up again. Maybe someone here has his phone number. John

[Louis C.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Craig Bartling also does nice work.. 386-518-6040

[Gerard F.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

I had to replace fuel bowls on tri-power carbs. The color between the new bowls and existing carbs do not match. I know there are businesses which specialize in re-coloring carb body parts. I'm looking for information on such businesses so I can deal with them directly instead of a carb rebuilding business which acts as a middleman. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jerry

Jerry,

Only the restored carbs match in color. The originals probably had four different shades of gold and greenish gold, as they were colored in different baths, at different times, and by different vendors.

Just my two cents.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Jerry,

Only the restored carbs match in color. The originals probably had four different shades of gold and greenish gold, as they were colored in different baths, at different times, and by different vendors.

Just my two cents.

Agree.
If you ever see photos of originals "back in the day" or even Bowtie cars, they don't match.

[Joe R.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Jerry, My friend Bob Kuntz and son did a nice job on coloring the castings. I heard that Bob had retired from rebuilding carbs but he started up again. Maybe someone here has his phone number. John

John,

Bob Kunz is semi-retired. He did a carb for me fairly recently (2008 or 2009). His number is:

314-845-2566

Joe

[David S.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Call Eric Jackson. www.vintagemusclecarparts.com

Best,
Dave

[Charles H.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Hello, I read your recent article on carb re-coloring, and envy your spectacular results. My only problem with the article is that you don't specify enough details about the solutions which you use in the process. Specifically, I would like to know the composition of your dichromate coloring solution. Which dichromate do you use(ie sodium, potassium or zinc) and what is the solution concentration--that is, how much dichromate powder do you add to a given volume of water?? Is there any acid concentration added to the mix? Also, what is the concentration of the muriatic acid solution which you use in the prep dip? Lastly, where do you source your chemicals? I would be much obliged for your answers, so I can get on with re-coloring my carbs( my 54 has three of 'em). best regards, Chuck Hora P.S. I am a Ph.D. chemist and know how to handle this stuff!

[Michael J.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

P.S. I am a Ph.D. chemist and know how to handle this stuff!

Good, if not Erin Brockovich will be on your case . Hexavalent chromium (toxic variety Erin was onto), or the more common compound potassium dichromate, is what they use at Pony Carbs to get that famous old school dichromate Holley finish. PS, I have a Ph.D. in geochemistry, good luck.

[Joe L.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Agree.
If you ever see photos of originals "back in the day" or even Bowtie cars, they don't match.

Jerry and Patrick------


Absolutely correct! If the coloration on all the carb body parts matches, there should probably be a point deduct for non-originality.

[Michael J.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Jerry and Patrick------


Absolutely correct! If the coloration on all the carb body parts matches, there should probably be a point deduct for non-originality.

Mine do, and the dates are correct, and I have had no deductions ever.

[Gerard F.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Charles,

I use the Caswell setup called Yellow Chromate, and would refer you to them (www.caswellplating.com). The have a complete manual on all types of plating and coloring, and part preparation. They sell it on line.

As a chemist, you probably know that most manufacturers of these products have there own proprietory formulars for their products. The concentration would probably vary to whose product you are using.

Caswell has a recommended concentration depending upon whether you want bright gold or a brassy look. When it comes down to it, there is a lot of variables( temp, Ph) and trial and error involved. A lot has to do with the preparation of the part.

If you want to do your carbs, I would get the Caswell Manual with their Yellow Chromate solution. Plan on many hours of trial and error, until you get your method down.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

WOW! I didn't realize it was so difficult and involved. Back in the day I used to bore out Rochester Venturis and then spray them with a magic spray can of stuff that would cover up my work to the naked eye (always passed tech inspection). It was some simple off the shelf stuff from a MidWest auto parts store and it looked just like they'd never been touched. I'll have to check my notes.

Stu Fox

[Wendel H.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

The short story is this. The castings first need a zinc plate. Then follow with the yellow chromate. The gold look is achieved by 30 seconds in the yellow dip. The longer the casting is left in the dip the browner it gets. Have your plater do several timed baths and choose the color you like. I chose 30 seconds. Wendel Hans (13085)

[Gerard F.]

Re: Carburator Re-Coloring

Wendal,

I find that zinc plating potmetal carb parts will make the potmetal come out too bright and shiny, like the steel parts. I've tried that.

Yes, the steel parts on a carb are zinc plated first, prior to the Yellow Chromate dip. But I find that just bringing the potmetal to a raw shiny finish prior to the dip gives you more of the gold irridescent finish.

Take a look at the first similar thead below for my prep and finish of potmetal carb parts.

But I guess to each his own