1967 intake manifold refinishing

[Silverbullit]

I've searched and read several threads,but have this question:
I have early S (960029) die-cast magnesium manifolds and want to know who correctly refinishes them? Thanks

[gsjohnson]

Since no one else responded...and I'm far from an expert, but I can pass on my experience with my original matching numbers (67 build date) 68 Normal. I believe my intakes are also magnesium and at 140K miles (Engine had never been apart) they appeared almost black in color and didn't appear to have any finish on them. They appeared natural to me. During the rebuild, I cleaned and soaked them in carb dip over night and after hosing them off, they were dark gray in color. I believe they probably looked like that when new. Hope this helps...

[1QuickS]

I believe the "as cast" finish is right (check out the magnesium cam box covers) but a protective finish would be my choice. I mentioned my provider for chromating magnesium parts in the thread below. Gary can stop the process to achieve a dark grey instead of black. He also correctly refinishes the Solex intake manifolds to be the iridescent gold that we all seek. The chromating provides a layer of mild corrosion protection which is better than none at all on these magnesium parts.

http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...esium+chromate