Thanks Bob, yes I have seen that comment before also and as much as its correct I am not trying to build a 100% concours correct trailer queen, as my intent has always been to build a really nice show and shine "driver", that looks pretty much correct but will withstand the rigors of driving and reduce my cleaning maintenance.
Example, the bellhousing plate the starter is mounted to and the motor mount brackets are powder coated to look like bare metal. The bolts, washers and nuts holding the motor mount brackets and NOS motor mounts are ceramic coated to replicate phosphate and oil, as are many other parts on the car that are supposed to be phosphate and oil. This is my first and last mustang and will this car ever see more than 5000 miles after completion or be driven in the rain intentionally, probably not, but this is how am building it.
Regarding the starter, I glass beaded the barrel, end cover and nose housing then painted it aluminum colour and replicated the red dot paint marking on the nose which will never be seen. The internals of the starter where in excellent condition as it was rebuilt just before I got the car in the late 80's. I painted both the mating faces of the barrel and the end cover so they where not bare metal and prone to rusting before I assembled them. The Bendix spring and cover, the band cover and long bolts where all zinc plated to remove any rust and coat the inside facing of those parts to help prevent rusting in the future. I did all this rather than just assembling and painting the outside semi-gloss black and having the bare metal faces and other exposed to the driving elements.
So as I have indicated I will be painting the starters black exterior again before final engine installation but will I put some overspray on the nicely painted aluminum nose, we'll see, thanks again for you continue support and comments they are much appreciated, as I hope my input is also.
