Topic: Accelerator Linkage Finish

[Skyway65]

I'm getting ready to send out some plating this week and I was wondering what shade of phosphate should the accelerator linkage that goes through the firewall be?

Is it the lighter gray shade or the darker, nearly black, shade?  The original finish is too dirty to really tell what it was!

[CharlesTurner]

I believe the spec that Ford used for most phosphate applications was manganese phosphate.  The final color is darker than zinc phosphate, but the type of steel used also has a dramatic effect on the final color.

[Skyway65]

Thanks Charles, so it seems that the color is not overly critical on this part as long as it is a phosphate finish.  Is that correct?

[CharlesTurner]

Thanks Charles, so it seems that the color is not overly critical on this part as long as it is a phosphate finish.  Is that correct?

Based on my personal experience with zinc phosphate and manganese phosphate, the zinc is way too light for anything.

[Scott302]

To zinc phosphate or manganese phosphate: 
From the June 1970 Ford Fastener Engineering Handbook. 

"S2 Phosphate and Oil.  This finish is a phosphate conversion coating plus an oil, black or dark gray in color, and is intended for general use on steel parts which do not require long term attractive appearance.  Parts shall be evenly coated with oil.  Parts supplied shall withstand 72-hour salt spray test as defined in the general requirements of section I, paragraph D-3.
The phosphate coating shall be fine or medium grain size with a minimum coating weight of 1000 mg. per sq. ft.  It shall ordinarily be of zinc phosphate type, but manganese phosphate type may be used provided all other requirements are met.  The specific phosphate process used is optional with the supplier, but it is recommended that all special cleaning and post-phosphate solutions used be obtained from the same source as the phosphate bath.  (This does not necessarily apply to the oil used.)  Controls shall be provided for solution composition and concentration, and for time and temperature of the process steps, so as to assure a uniform coating which meets the above requirements.
To avoid a phosphate coating of coarse grain size or excessive weight, use of strong acids or alkalies for cleaning should be minimized.  If the condition of parts prior to treatment require such cleaning, a neutralizing rinse should be used prior to phosphating."

Phosphating has the most detailed specifications of any of the fastener finishes.
Enjoy
Scott

[Skyway65]

well ok then!

[s2ms]

So would a gun bluing treatment be too dark for the accelerator linkage?

Thanks,
Dave

[J_Speegle]

So would a gun bluing treatment be too dark for the accelerator linkage?

No but make sure all the bluish tones have been worked out. Have used it and once oiled no one caught it. Just depends on how it turns out and it's worked.

It helps to have a piece of phosphate handy to use as a guide.

Given both choices I would still send it out for the correct finish when you do the other larger items

[CharlesTurner]

So would a gun bluing treatment be too dark for the accelerator linkage?

Thanks,
Dave

In my opinion, gun bluing would not get you the preferred appearance.  Gun bluing has that bluish hue to it that is not present with phosphate.

Phospating is real easy, can be done at home.  Although, to do parts like the accelerator bell crank, you'll need a large stainless steel container.

[s2ms]

Thanks guys! Was thinking of using it more for a quick and dirty method for a (almost) correct look on a nice driver. Seemed like it might look closer than the bead blast/clearcoat approach.