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Differential Paint

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dougsmarkIII

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After refinishing the frame and cleaning up the differential on my 66 BJ8 I found that the front part of the differential (pumpkin) appears to be made of aluminum. It sure looks nice in the natural aluminum color. Did the factory ever leave them natural color? All the pictures (eBay etc.) I have seen the differentials were painted all back. Mine also had black paint on all of it. The paint is all cleaned off the aluminum now, but I want it to be correct.

Doug
 
dougsmarkIII said:
After refinishing the frame and cleaning up the differential on my 66 BJ8 I found that the front part of the differential (pumpkin) appears to be made of aluminum. It sure looks nice in the natural aluminum color. Did the factory ever leave them natural color? All the pictures (eBay etc.) I have seen the differentials were painted all back. Mine also had black paint on all of it. The paint is all cleaned off the aluminum now, but I want it to be correct.

Doug
Click to expand...
I've never seen an original rear end with anything other then BLACK paint and I've been ujnderneath Healey's since 1969. I personally think one that is painted gloss back with yellow cad bolts holding the pumpkin on and polished aluminum pumpkin housing would look really cool.
Patrick
 
Thanks Patrick. All black differential is not what I wanted to read. I just might go against the factory and leave the pumpkin natural aluminum. Might put a clear coat on it to help ward off corrosion. This 66 is going to be a great Healey when I'm done but not concours. The natural aluminum pumpkin would be my contribution to good taste. Would like other opinions.

Doug
 
Unless you're going for "100% original", I'd leave it aluminum with a clear coat finish. That'd look really nice I bet! I've always been of the opinion that the most enjoyable cars (for me personally) have a nice blend of originality and period correctness combined with my own personal taste and touches. So I say do it the way that makes you happy!

~Robert
 
hi doug
I left mine aluminum
I felt any leaks would be more visible
first time used eastwood clear coat spray it yellowed on me
powder coated in clear never tarnish again
getting into the inside corners along the side fins can be a bit of a challenge but brake cleaner removed my paint
rebuild and throw a LSD into it before you reinstall (just for fun) and your set to go
note: it is underneath the car, the only people who will see it, are the people who you would want to know how you treat your car
 
If you're building your car for you and not for someone else (selling or showing) do it your way in good taste. For example, I painted my windshield posts black instead of red body color and my rear brake drums black instead of silver. Looks much better to me.
IMG_1505-1.jpg
 
dougsmarkIII said:
Thanks Patrick. All black differential is not what I wanted to read. I just might go against the factory and leave the pumpkin natural aluminum. Might put a clear coat on it to help ward off corrosion. This 66 is going to be a great Healey when I'm done but not concours. The natural aluminum pumpkin would be my contribution to good taste. Would like other opinions.

Doug
Click to expand...
I think you're on the right track doing it the way you like and will look great. The contrasting nut color is a good option. Grade 8 nuts have a yellow/goldish cast to them and jewelry always looks good when the two are next to each other...it is your "jewel". Post photos when your done before it goes into your car!
Patrick
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. Yeah I'm going to leave it natural aluminum. I am redoing the previous owners work and paint job plus steering and suspension parts. Thats the prime reason for painting the frame and differential. The PO had this Colordo Red car painted in Metallic Golden Beige. Every thing got painted very well except for the frame. Engine and electric controls was out so engine bay was done right. I will clear-coat the pumpkin with clear with hardener. Will post underneath photos probably tomorrow.

[url="https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd22/dbillenart/IMG_0055.jpg"]https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd22/dbillenart/IMG_0055.jpg[/url][/IMG

[img]https://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd22/dbillenart/IMG_0030-1.jpg]

Doug
 
Hey Doug,

If it will gives you any peace of mind DHMC Works Dept. had the diff bare aluminum on all the race
prepared big Healeys that left the Cape. Most of us racers have held true to that tradition. Both of the diffs that I use are left bare.........every ounce of extra weight counts.

Dougie
 
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