Flapper Restoration (aka Flap Control Box), Springs and Sealing Rubber Options

[DennisV]

How are folks going about restoring original flapper boxes?

I had intended to bead blast and powder coat ours. Preparing to degrease them today, I see that they have a spring mechanism inside and what I think is a rubber sealing ring. I don't think those would much like the powder coating and required heat. Some other styles talked about on other forums get disassembled, but I don't see a way to get those components out without destroying the housing.

Perhaps bead blast and spray can is the best bet, and just accept the spring and sealing ring will get painted?

Thank you.

P.S. I've seem some discussion suggesting 914-6 were gray rather than black. Was that ever definitively answered? The color of ours is rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[johnhora]

Years ago before the Stoddard type paint a friend of mine who was a 356 restorer and made 356 mufflers showed me how to use cold galvanizing compound spray paint. His mufflers were on many 356 concours cars.

The prep was to blast the part then spray with cold galvanizing compound spray paint and then take the gas torch to the parts to bake.....I did this on a number of 911 mufflers and headers....worked great and the color was a perfect grey....

The flapper gets very hot since it directs air from the heat exchangers so you need something that can take high heat.

[DennisV]

The prep was to blast the part then spray with cold galvanizing compound spray paint and then take the gas torch to the parts to bake.....I did this on a number of 911 mufflers and headers....worked great and the color was a perfect grey....

Thanks for sharing @johnhora That is some interesting stuff. I had not seen it before.

Why did you torch it? I'm reading their spec sheet and is says:

Do not apply to surfaces, when heated, exceed 200°F (93°C).

Based on what little I know, I think 200°F would be right at the edge of the engine operating temperature. FWIW - The Dupli-color folks suggest the engine enamel with ceramic will resist temperatures up to 500°F intermittently.