I'm working in the AC system of my '70 442/ I took the AC box apart over the weekend and started cleaning everything up. The box looks really good except for one area on the right front (see pics) where there is some kind of abrasion that really detracts from the appearance of the rest of it. I have a spare, so I took that apart and cleaned it up as well but found some stains on it that I can't get out.


These are available as reproductions but they're expensive. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to repair the damage? I really would like to use the original box but I can't leave it looking like this.


Thanks for your input

 

Sand it down a little bit and clearcoat it.

- Eric

 

X2 on the clearcoat........On mine I had to fix a hole that was worn in from the fender well. I used JB weld with some of the dust from sanding and its almost a perfect match.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I will give it a try this weekend.

 

I agree with above. You could sand the area just a little and see how it looks. I had a couple scuffed areas on my W-30 that I sanded and brushed a little clear on those spots when I was done. After installed you could never tell. Many people clear the entire thing. If you google for some pictures of A/C cars you will see that that area is not very visible when it is all assembled.

 

I wanted to thank all who responded for your suggestions. Following the advice provided I worked on the AC box over the weekend and it came out great. Take a look at the before and after pictures below. The damage is still somewhat visible but, as Eric points out, it will be almost impossible to see when installed. I wound up using a matte clear finish on the entire box and I think the sheen match is just about spot on.

 

Looks great

 

Nice!

- Eric