RSR fan coating

[Mike_Moore]

Some pictures I found (and I hope the owners don't mind my using them) show 2.8 RSR fans with a paint finish supposedly to replicate some kind of original finish, anybody have any idea's as to what that might have been?

Experts I've spoken to have no recollection of anything like it other than a techtyl spray, and I've not seen it on any period pictures, any idea's?

Mike

[davep]

Those fans have the color of natural fiberglass. A lot of race engines (say 917) had them, but I don't know for certain if they were used on 911 as well.

[sezme]

I'm in love! Gotta find one.....

[TRE Cup]

Call newton. maybe he will tell you how he accomplished that look on a metal fan

[sezme]

Shows how much I know.... I thought it was 'glass.

Dave is referring to Jim Newton at Automobile Associates of Canton. Canton, CT

Stu

[Mike_Moore]

thanks for that, have e-mailed Jim and hopefully he will be able to shed some light on the finish.

Mike

[TRE Cup]

The original process was called D-7, or Dupont 7. used for magnesium. You can no longer do that here in usa- EPA no-no. So some have opted for a tinted clear to approximate the yellowish metal like finish the D-7 left.
Imho, the above finishes are too shiny and maybe due to reflection one is downright over the top

Pure clear is a problem as the porosity of the mag will eventually bleed dark blotches . Another issue is the edge of the blades get blasted with dust while driving and lose most coatings over time

We take a different approach. We use a local media blaster that really cleans the fans and rings, then with a soft media gets them as uniform as they will get. We then reattach the center with blind rivets (had a tool made) . While the center is out, it get replated. Then we tell the clients to hit the fan and ring with WD-40 at least once a month to maintain the finish. It stays this way for a pretty long time (at least two years and counting). True; no yellowish coating, but we think it looks a lil nicer than that (imho ! )

[Mike_Moore]

thanks again, we chromate dip finish the mag here for a great even look which again lasts well with WD40. This is my old 2.7 engine done that way.

[TRE Cup]

beeyouteeful! yes- ours look that way after about 2-3 years (probably because of the sunny climate most of the time)

[Longballa]

Gibbs Brand works well also as well as WD40.