Engine: Throttle Linkage

[PeterHawk]

We are rebuilding the 289 engine in my '62 GT Hawk. What color should the throttle linkage between the accelerator and the carb be?

[SN-60]

Natural metal, or, if rusty, 'aluminum' paint.

[dpson]

I just looked a NOS one and would say they were cad-plated (dull silver) when new, so whatever you can use to recreate that look should be okay.

[rockne10]

Cadmium plating isn't nearly as troublesome as chrome plating but, I've found a suitable cheap alternative. I bead blast the parts, then use a rattle can spray of cold zinc, available at any hardware store. Handle the parts carefully, as the cold zinc wipes off very easily. Then I spray with a clear coat. Once that's dry it's protected from corrosion and appears much like cadmium.

[RadioRoy]

Is the cold zinc a paint color, or powdered zinc, or what exactly?

[TWChamp]

Caswell sells a home plating kit called "Copy-Cad", which is actually a zinc plating, and works very well.

[rockne10]

Is the cold zinc a paint color, or powdered zinc, or what exactly?

It is a fine zinc powder (the can is heavy) in a volatile suspension. The medium evaporates quickly but does not adhere the zinc as a paint would. Hence the need for a clear coat. Though, as I google the product, there are brands that claim no additional coat is required. https://www.google.com/search?q=Cold...utf-8&oe=utf-8
Being a CASO, I go with a simple cold zinc and a cheap clear coat. It passes muster in SDC judging.

[salmonstude]

I've used a very light coat of Seymour Spra-Galv 16-845 Weld thru Primer which is a dull silver.

[MrHemi2U]

I just did mine with Rust-oleum aluminum engine enamel. Came out pretty good.

[bezhawk]

You can burnish the cold galv spray with a green dish scrubbie scotch-pad. (not to be confused with body shop 3m scotch pads). it ill put a little shine before clearing it. It makes it look more metallic, rather than grey.

[Jeffry Cassel]

Eastwood has spray on cadmium (look alike) coating.