Anodized

The aluminum band that hangs around the distributor and broadcasts the manufacturer, part number and build date (May 6, 1971 in this case) was once anodized a bright cherry red. Over the years it's lost its color, so it was time to restore it.


The process calls for the part to be cleaned and basically fried with electricity while suspended in sulphuric acid soaked in hot fabric dye. This is not a process for the feint of heart, but once everything needed was purchased, it was time to give it a go.

A test piece of aluminum wire turned out a bright red, but some metal was lost in the process. Though the result was really nice, there was a worry that the very thin band would be damaged, so the amperage was reduced.

Not sure if the color would have been deeper had the current not been turned down, but the band wasn't damaged and it looks great to this mechanic.