Ventiport restoration possible?

[kcombs]

I have two sets of ventiports that are in decent condition. Out of the four ports I can't come up with a set that I would consider excellent driver quality. One is slightly bent lengthwise, and the others have scratches or very minor pitting. The stainless steel parts are of course in good shape. Seems like it would ruin them to grind the spot/plug welds off that hold the stainless fins in place. Has anyone had these things disassembled and replated successfully? If so, who has done the work for you?

Thanks in advance.

[nut465gs]

Kurt,

Everything is possible, it just takes more time and more money. I have a friend that did grind down the "spots" to separate the stainless steel from the chromed pot metal. He then had the pot metal portion restored and rechromed. He then used epoxy on the "spots" to secure the two pieces back together again. As with all potmetal restoration, pits can be just the tip of the iceberg and can open up much further. The correct way to restore pot metal is to fill in the pits with silver solder rather than grinding or buffing down the surface. Best left to the better professional chrome shops, which can get real expensive.  Depending on how many pits or scratches, it might be best to leave well enough alone. Take good care of the ventiports that you have, there is a finite number of them out there.  Good luck.

John Egel

[kcombs]

Hi John,

I am torn between my perfectionist side and be realistic, your probably correct when you say leave them alone. Minor pitting and would look good at ten feet, but what about when I detail the car???? I then see everything up close. Decisions, decisions, decisions

BTW, I got the last pair for $25 on Ebay, BIN. I just happened to log on during a break at work and there they were. I didn't hesitate to "buy them now", figured the most I was gambling we $25 plus shipping. Very happy with the purchase.

[65GS]

Kurt
I disasembled mine and had Qual-Chrome here in Erie redo the pot metal.
The inside was repainted in flat black, ccleaned and reassembled with epoxy.

The potmetal does cost $ to redo but it makes a differance.

Al

[BuickGS65]

Hi Guys:

I am going to be sending off a pair of Ventiports to be restored, and I want to make sure I have all the finishes correct.

See pictures for reference.

Area "A" = brushed stainless steel
Area "B" = chrome plated potmetal
Area "C" = chrome plated potmetal painted silver (Krylon 1403 Dull Aluminum) & the deepest portions are painted flat black

Is this correct?  Did I miss anything?  Thanks!

Dan

[Loren At 65GS]

Dan,
  I think the pieces you have marked "A", are pot metal with a brushed finish. Like the early square grille emblem.
One of the sets I have, has blisters in the surface of those pieces just as pot metal does.

  Loren

[BuickGS65]

Dan,
  I think the pieces you have marked "A", are pot metal with a brushed finish. Like the early square grille emblem.
One of the sets I have, has blisters in the surface of those pieces just as pot metal does.

  Loren

Thanks, Loren.  Is the rest of my post correct?

[Loren At 65GS]

Dan,

Yes, looks like you will do a good job detailing.

I also originally thought the insert portion was brushed stainless.

Good luck on the restoration,

  Loren

[BuickGS65]

One more question -

For Area "C" (the painted areas), I just have them rechome the entire part, then scuff (Scotch Brite?) and paint when it gets home, correct?  In other words, the replater does not need to "mask off" Area "C"?

[BuickGS65]

One more question -

For Area "C" (the painted areas), I just have them rechome the entire part, then scuff (Scotch Brite?) and paint when it gets home, correct?  In other words, the replater does not need to "mask off" Area "C"?

In addition to my last post, can anyone please post a picture of a mint original? I want to make sure I have the correct "brushed" finish.  Thanks.

[Loren At 65GS]

Dan,
You are correct with painting over the plating.

  Loren

[Weldar]

One more question -

For Area "C" (the painted areas), I just have them rechome the entire part, then scuff (Scotch Brite?) and paint when it gets home, correct?  In other words, the replater does not need to "mask off" Area "C"?

In addition to my last post, can anyone please post a picture of a mint original? I want to make sure I have the correct "brushed" finish.  Thanks.

Sorry for this reply to an old post but it seems to be the only one I can find dealing with restoration of ventiports. Curious as to how this part restoration went.

Mine are in relatively good shape with no pitting. The gray and black painted areas are faded and I really don't want to disassemble just for painting but it seems like painting might be difficult for sure. Anyone ever do this?

Dwaine