Power Booster

What is the correct colour for a 1972 GS with power brakes for the brake booster?
Best place to buy the paint?

 

I used these guys to restore my original. They were able to bring back the pitted rusty mess to look like new.

https://www.brakeboosters.com/

 

Paint will never look correct. Plating is your best option. The link for company above is a very good place. They recently changed owners. My friend just had a bunch of parts plated by the new guy. Booster was rebuilt as well. Quality was very good on stuff he just got back.

 

They were "not" originally cadmium plated from the factory instead...they were zinc-dichromate plated.
Booster Steve or Dewey can confirm that, as they have a letter from GM stating that fact.
Any questions call Booster Steve at Power Brake Booster Exchange
503-238-8882

 

Wasn't trying to win...just providing
correct information when I can... which isn't too often!
You gracefully informed me a few weeks back on what SCO stood for you know! I thought for 20 years that it was Special Corporate Order but learned with your help it stood for Special Car Order...Just edifying each other with our passion for Buicks.

 

It’s common to call that plating gold cad. Everyone knew what Brad meant.

 

I can’t imagine re-plating is going to be much cheaper or better than buying a new Re-pop for $150.

 

It might depend on whether you are trying to keep an original part numbered/date coded part or not.
Duane

 

And the China specials look like crap if you want to know the truth.

 

You be the judge. China specials have too sharp triangles and Delco Moraine stamp is at a slant. These features a very noticeable in person.
https://www.brakeboosters.com/brake-boosters-history

 

And the originals work much better. In my experience.

 

Really? I find it hard to believe that China would make an inferior product!

 

Hey Guys.

New member and 'newer' Buick GS owner here... '70 to be exact. So, I bought this car earlier this year in April (I did an intro in the Intro thread) and have been wanting to 'clean up' the engine bay on the car since the day I bought it. The exterior and interior both give off a nice "wow factor", but when I open the hood... I feel like it's more of a "whah-whah" factor. ‍♂️

I figure I'd start in this thread, asking what the preferred method is to paint the brake booster. I already used a wire wheel on the master cylinder and it's look has improved greatly. Once I get the remaining corrosion (and grime) off of the BB, I was thinking of spraying it... with this product (see thumbnail), which seems to have great reviews.

This is my current engine bay (minus air cleaner obviously); I've already replaced the overflow reservoir and washer fluid bottles:



Brake Booster (currently):



My main question is... for a 'newbie' like me, is it worth pulling the BB off and out of the car to do so? I'm sure it is, but where I'm headed w/ this is... I don't want to screw anything up regarding my brakes (i.e. stopping power) when I'm out driving it, and have something I did in the process be the cause of it and/or (god forbid), an accident. That would devastate me, and possibly the car. I just don't think I'd be able to spray behind the booster on the backside too well.

So, any advice on painting the booster would be appreciated, along with any other ideas any of you folks have on 'shining up' the engine bay. I have new valve covers on order, that kit should be here this week. Also, try to do things on a budget somewhat... so I don't have plans to pull out the entire engine or anything. More so "best bang for the buck" ideas. As noted, I did the 2 bottles and did the spark plugs/wires a couple months ago. Again... I'm learning.

Thanks a bunch in advance for any advice/help given. I can share other pics as needed, but figured I'd start here. Didn't want to get too off track with questions...

Take care,

Gregg

 

I wouldn't use that. I had mine plated but wasn't happy with the result. Still pitted. I used paint on my master cylinder cover with paint pictured. You might consider just painting it for now.

 

A lot of guys use this product on their master cylinder. Looks good and lasts for a very long time. VET (Navy)

 

If you decide to take your master cylinder to get it plated, make sure you have them clean it and buff it before they plate it.

If it were me, I would replace the master cylinder because you don't know how long it's been in the car or how much longer it will last.
You're 50, so you may have another 30 years to enjoy this car. You will eventually have to replace parts.

Parts I've already replaced, and my Buick was 100% restored in 2010.
(1) Timing chain cover. Bought a TA model that has a front installed Neoprene seal.
(2) Replaced timing chain. Stretched, very lose.
(3) Crank damper.
(4) A/C system.
(5) Alternator, upgrade amperage.
(6) Replace headlights for LED lights because the old 1970 headlights are way to dim for nigh driving.
(7) Replaced Radiator, high temperature issue. Replaced all water hoses.
(8) Fan clutch, high temperature issue.
(9) Replaced fan & alternator belts.
(10) Water pump, high temperature issue.
(11) Valve cover gaskets.
(12) Windshield washer motor.
(13) Replaced point distributor for a modern MSD ignition system. To help cure engine detonation issue.
(14) Replaced vacuum canister with adjustable vacuum canister. To help cure detonation issue.
(15) Replaced both mufflers and over the rear tire exhaust pipes. Rust and pin holes.
(16) Added a back-up camera so I don't accidently back into a pole or other type of object. Best thing I ever did.
(17) Added a passenger side view mirror.
(18) Brake light switch had to be readjusted to function correctly.
(19) Front End alignment.
(20) Replaced Carburetor because someone over tightened carb to manifold and warped the carb base.
(21) Replaced spark plugs. Had incorrect plugs.
(22) Replaced trunk gasket. Trunk was leaking rainwater.
(23) Replaced windshield wiper blade inserts.

I've only owned this Buick for 28 months. It's almost back to 100% perfect.

 

times 2 ^ on what he said. In my opinion, to make it look right send the booster out to be plated and rebuild. Get a new master while you are at it. Do it right and cry only once!

Fernando