Has anyone out there refinished (painted) the throttle linkage. I am having the cam covers and intake redone (powder coat) and my throttle linkage stands out like a sore thumb. I was wondering if anyone has taken it apart and done this. If so, when it goes back together, is there any special grease that should be used on the shaft? I have it off and have tried to clean it , but I haven't had much success. Would it be safer to leave it alone?

 

Someone on the list had theirs plated to duplicate the factory finish. They also did the cam cover bolts etc. Looked great and as I remember the cost wasn't too bad. Wish I could remember who it was. Maybe try a search. Sorry I can't be more help. I would try plating before paint.

 

Eric Dvorak and Chris had some stuff plated and posted pics in a thread a while back.
Plating thread

I had some of my stuff teflon coated back when I had the valve covers powder coated. It turned out well, but after seeing the pictures I'm thinking I should have plated them instead.
Here are the pictures that were part of the thread:

 

Anyone have any idea how to find someone who does this? Plating is beautiful!

 

Looks great. I think plating is the way to go.

 

Look up 'plating' in the yellow pages, its that simple. Naturally the smaller business's are a better fit, a couple of the plating companies around here also do powder coating.

You'll be surprised how cheap it is and the finish will last a lot longer then the factory stuff too.

Chris

 

Question regarding taking apart the throttle linkage. I am at work now and don't have access to the actual item, so I am working from memory here.

I understand having the springs on it and all, but I am curious. Is there any tension on the linkage after you first start to disassemble it ? Having the assembly either replaced with a new one (how much are they anyway) or having the old one plated should be a relatively easy item to do right ?

Rob

 

Rob

Well a new one, hmmmmm, bet thats spendy.

There are no springs on the throttle linkage assembly, they are elsewhere, under the manifold.

When I took the assembly apart I took the bearings out and messed up a couple but got new ones pretty easily.

Have fun.

Chris

 

Rob,

I unbolted the throttle linkage from the intake because I was sending the parts out for powder coat. In MY88 the cables pass though four holes in the linkage housing. Two are only attached by C clips which are easily removed. The other two have a plastic head with tabs that hold it in place. to remove these I used a needle nose plyer and screw driver to press in the tabs and slide the whole cable and body out the back. It really wasn't hard.

BTW, I just delivered this along with several other items to my local plater. I should have them back in a week or so.

Hope this helps.

 

Doug,

When you get the items back, please post an image of how they turned out. I am very interested in doing this to my car. Thanks.

Chris,

OK, I guess that I don't really have anything to worry about then.

Rob