Flapper Restoration (aka Flap Control Box), Springs and Sealing Rubber Options

[DennisV]

How are folks going about restoring original flapper boxes?

I had intended to bead blast and powder coat ours. Preparing to degrease them today, I see that they have a spring mechanism inside and what I think is a rubber sealing ring. I don't think those would much like the powder coating and required heat. Some other styles talked about on other forums get disassembled, but I don't see a way to get those components out without destroying the housing.

Perhaps bead blast and spray can is the best bet, and just accept the spring and sealing ring will get painted?

Thank you.

P.S. I've seem some discussion suggesting 914-6 were gray rather than black. Was that ever definitively answered? The color of ours is rust. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

[914werke]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
As has been mentioned there is no rubber in them & while their purpose is to route heated air to the cabin, they dont get that hot.
I only powder coat the ones that are in new/great shape with the fiber seal still intact, otherwise ..paint.
Oh & I did try to dissasemble one to see if it was possible to renew seals....once. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[DennisV]

I only powder coat the ones that are in new/great shape with the fiber seal still intact, otherwise ..paint.

When you say "paint", I assume you mean rattle can spray. Did you use special nozzle for that? I am having a hard time seeing how to get paint to the inside flange of the cap for example. The angle just isn't there for a regular rattle can.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/ar15.gif) I guess there's always spray the bejesus out of it and let it run.

I guess with powder coat, you'd get the benefit of the electronic charge that would draw some paint to unseen areas?