Opinions needed re: carb restorations, please read

[VintageMusclecar]

I've been kicking around an idea lately and figured I'd throw it out here to guage any potential interest.

Some restorers have ALL of the steel hardware on a carb zinc plated and chromated. On certain components, this isn't technically "correct" from an aesthetic standpoint. Some examples would be certain fuel inlet fittings, throttle blades, accellerator pump levers, etc., and the biggest issue (IMO) being throttle shafts and choke shafts.

I already return what I can back to its original finish, but the one thing I can't do is dis-assemble throttle and choke shafts to try to re-plate the respective components in their individual finish(es); hence they necessitate a total zinc plate job.

It looks nice, but it's not technically "correct."

However, there is an alternative on certain carbs, as brand new throttle and choke shafts are currently available for them. I'm not going to try to post an exhaustive list, but some examples are the 4492/4555/4557 carbs, 4053/4346 carbs, 3910/3911 carbs, 3246/3247 carbs, 3810/3811 carbs, the `71-`72 GM 780 carbs, certain Ford carbs, etc.

While there MAY be some minor aesthetic differences on these new components in comparison to the originals, IMO they're much more "original appearing" than the fully zinc plated shafts are.

There would obviously be an additional expense involved (which would have to be quoted on an individual basis depending on the carb model), IMO this would be a worthwhile consideration on "higher-end" restorations.

So technically I could consider offering 2 "levels" of restorations on certain carbs; a "driver" and a "show" restoration, the difference being said new components in lieu of their replated counterparts.

Viable option or a waste of time & $...What say you?

Eric

[Zedder]

Unless the new parts are identical, I would think that it would be a waste of money as the point deductions might actually be more for an incorrect configuration than an incorrect finish. JMHO...

[SS427]

I agree with Mark but given that, if they are in fact identical (and many replacement NOS parts are not) then I for one would be more than happy to pay the up charge. In the past, I have had to disassemble many of the components on carb restorations I had done in order to correctly replate them. Same goes for green vs white choke cams. My business motto is and always has been, "Details Make the Difference" and I live by that. Ask anyone who has had the misfortune of working along side me. I would pay to have it done correctly for a concourse restoration.

As discussed with you privately, I think adding ink stamps would be yet another boost to your restorations as well as making you unique to other restorers. This is one step I do on my own but again would be happy to have included in the complete carb restoration providing they were done correctly and with correct fonts.
Rick

[WILMASBOYL78]

I think it is great to give the customer some options with respect to their restoration. If someone wants a nicely restored carb for a vintage clone/street machine then the little differences probably don't matter. if you are going for the "anal, down to the last nut and bolt resto/trailer queen" then don't spare the money..do it right. Ultimately it is up to the customer to decide what he wants after discussing the options with you. As for ink stamps, they are certainly a nice touch to any carb resto. If a customer wants this "option" then I would have them tell you what they need specifically. I am sure you can provide the stamping choices and do them correctly...but you shouldn't have to swear on a stack of bibles that a certain font, was used on a certain part and be held liable for some judge's review. The process should be a shared one between you and the customer. Our hobby should be about exchanging info, ideas and being helpful to your fellow car nut. The more we work together the better everyone's car will be....


wilma