Author Topic: Plenum box resto  (Read 11995 times)

Offline 68 S Code

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Plenum box resto
« on: December 11, 2011, 10:18:42 PM »
I finally found a decent heater/defroster plenum. The only issue is a small hole the the back side which isn't supposed to be there. Could install it as is because it would be hard to see but wondering is there a way to fix it? I remember reading back in the late eighties that a way to make this sort of cardboard piece to last was to coat it with a few applications of shellac. I would think that this would dramatically change the appearance. Is there a way to clean this material?

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #1 on: December 11, 2011, 10:29:54 PM »
I recently have been using wood glue rubbed into the surface and allowed to dry. Helps IMHO even out the finish as there are often water stains or just light and dark areas as well as the dusty look they get. If you apply a fair amount of glue it also allows you to manipulate the shape a bit so you can correct some issues if need be

Might have some pictures of this somewhere. Might have taken them in preparation for an article here. Will check
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline 68 S Code

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #2 on: December 12, 2011, 01:22:48 AM »
Pics would help if you run across them. Ill try to post what Im starting with.

Offline cobraboy

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #3 on: December 12, 2011, 11:53:43 AM »
I just restored my heater. What do you guys think of the plenum ?
13th April 1965 Dearborn K GT on the other side of the pond.

Offline Bob Gaines

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2011, 01:05:32 PM »
I just restored my heater. What do you guys think of the plenum ?

It doesn't look like a similar shade of gray (too light) compared to a cardboard original.It is a substantial difference.  From the corner i see a shine reflection which the cardboard plenum has a flat sheen. Just my thoughts. Bob
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #5 on: December 12, 2011, 02:27:52 PM »
Original for comparison....

Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline cobraboy

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #6 on: December 12, 2011, 03:15:21 PM »
Thanks
It was the closest I could get for now  :)
13th April 1965 Dearborn K GT on the other side of the pond.

Offline 68 S Code

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2011, 04:17:47 PM »
This is what i am starting with. The second shot shows the hole I need to deal with.

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2011, 07:59:56 PM »
Posted these before I believe but thought I would again.

Very rare (before they changed to the undercoated looking things) NOS/assembly line part

Rivets have a slightly greenish coating on them.





Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline TLea

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2011, 11:14:38 PM »
Posted these before I believe but thought I would again.

Very rare (before they changed to the undercoated looking things) NOS/assembly line part
Jeff, knowing that you want that part for your 66 it must be killing you that it has a May 67 date. Therefore I am offering to ease your pain by taking it off your hands  ;D
Tim Lea  Shelby concours judge MCA, SAAC, Mid America

Offline CharlesTurner

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #10 on: December 12, 2011, 11:22:05 PM »
It's almost a guarantee that any discussion involving cardboard heater plenums will end in Jeff showing off his fancy one!   ;D ;D

Tim, I don't think San Jose put their date stamps on the front, so he can't use it on the Shelby anyway.   :P
Charles Turner - MCA/SAAC Judge
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Offline Bob Gaines

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #11 on: December 13, 2011, 12:18:41 AM »
In all my years of parts scrounging and networking with others I have never come across a NOS 65-68 cardboard plenum  :'( . Bob
Bob Gaines,Shelby enthusiast, Shelby collector , Shelby concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #12 on: December 13, 2011, 12:37:31 AM »
Thanks friends for the support   :o
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline 68 S Code

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #13 on: December 13, 2011, 01:08:59 AM »
So is there a way to get my dirty one to look better? I see some blsack paint on the cable bracket but the shaft off the trap door inside does not seem to have any black paint on it like jeffs NOS unit. The date is stamped on the backside.

Offline cobraboy

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Re: Plenum box resto
« Reply #14 on: December 13, 2011, 04:48:44 PM »
We have a saying over here, that might just work over there............... Nobody likes a smartarse  ;D Nice plenum !!!!
I can see I need to go darker. 
13th April 1965 Dearborn K GT on the other side of the pond.