Topic: Correct finish for '68 proportioning valve bracket and bolt

[Oz390]

The bracket and bolt that connects the proportioning valve to the main distribution block mount.  Correct finish is....

[CharlesTurner]

I just had one of these off about a month ago.  It looked like the bracket was plain steel, bolt phosphate.  Might be plant-specific, sorry can't answer for sure, hopefully others will weigh in.

[Murf]

Richard, I rebuilt the valve assembly on my 68 April 03 build date SJ factory Cal Spec. and to the best of my knowledge the bracket of which you speak was just a part made of stamped steel and I could not detect any trace of plating.  As Charles said, the bolt seemed to be p&o.  I examined the bracket closely in the area where it contacted the brass valve assembly since the plating would have been more protected there but it still seemed to be just bare steel.  I am not 100% sure about it not being plated but that is now it appeared. When installed that bracket is very difficult to see.

[Oz390]

Yep, know it is difficult to see, still curious about what is correct as I'm completely disassembling to the point of removing the mount bracket from body to re dichromate them and figure if I'm doing that getting the bracket right would be good.  As it sits around the prop valve it can be seen when installed if you are looking there.  The did look to be bare, and assumed S2 for the bolt, but figured I'd confirm before reassembly...

Thanks for the input.

[ruppstang]

These one is on a 68 NJ car. It appears to be a phosphate bolt but I can not tell if the clamp is phosphate or natural steel.
Marty

[Oz390]

Thanks Marty!

[Bob Gaines]

These one is on a 68 NJ car. It appears to be a phosphate bolt but I can not tell if the clamp is phosphate or natural steel.
Marty

To add to this post the bracket coming off the brass distribution block is zinc dichromate(gold) . it is hard to tell in the picture.

[Oz390]

Hmmm.... can anyone confirm zinc dicromate?  I have just disassembled 4 units and in careful inspection see no remnants of that finish it on the bracket, not that that means it was not there originally...

It would seem odd for Ford to use zinc as the anodic index between brass and zinc is higher than that between brass and steel.  Which would mean the zinc would have hgher galvaninc corrosion potentail aganst the brass than steel, which one would assume the engineers knew.  But that is supposition...

Bob, do you concur on S2 for the bolt, as I have seen some with white zinc but am unsure if they are correct or not.

[ruppstang]

Yes the bracket connected to the brass block has the zinc dichromate finish. The one in the picture is original and the finish is worn.

[TLea]

ZD bracket, clamp and bolt phosphate/oil

[specialed]

68 & 69 are the same bracket from what I have seen Dearborn anyway & the mounting 2 stud bracket was gold plated & round strap clamp & bolt phos

[Brian Conway]

The block is dated Aug. 12, 1968 and is off my 69 Metuchen Car.  The bolt, under the grime, was black with no other finish apparent.  Brian

[Anghelrestorations]

This is a quick visual of what is correct....restored vs original I have done.  Most of the originals its too hard to see the original plating anymore.  If you have a clean unpitted one to start with they usually come out looking really good when finished.

[Oz390]

Hmm.. so back to phosphate vs. zinc dichromate for the bracket...

[Bob Gaines]

Hmmm.... can anyone confirm zinc dicromate?  I have just disassembled 4 units and in careful inspection see no remnants of that finish it on the bracket, not that that means it was not there originally...

It would seem odd for Ford to use zinc as the anodic index between brass and zinc is higher than that between brass and steel.  Which would mean the zinc would have hgher galvaninc corrosion potentail aganst the brass than steel, which one would assume the engineers knew.  But that is supposition...

Bob, do you concur on S2 for the bolt, as I have seen some with white zinc but am unsure if they are correct or not.

Bolt is phosphate and oil .