[Fullback66]

In the process of cleaning up my tri-power for my 66 GTO. I disassembled my front carb first. Cleaned it up, added new gaskets, and painted it with Eastwood bronze carb renew. (I bought this can years ago). Front carb is painted and assembled. Finished.

Started on the center carb. Same thing, disassembled, cleaned and started painted the bottom part of the carb with Eastwood bronze carb renew. I ran out of paint.
I just purchased a new spray can of bronze renew for my tri-power. Paint came in today. Painted the top half of the center carb. This is NOT the same color as the old Eastwood bronze carb renew. They look totally different. (I think it looks like crappy cheap gold).

I called Eastwood today to ask what was going on. She replied that they changed the formula. Now I have to repaint the front and bottom of center carb.

Question: Is the NEW Eastwood bronze carb renew a better color bronze for the tri-power?

I like the old bronze better.
Thanks,
FB66

[Dick Boneske]

Yes, they did change the formula several years ago. Some would prefer the old, some would prefer the new formula. Either is a poor substitute for zinc dichromate. Once you do the work required to prepare the carbs for paint, why not get them dichromated like the factory did, which is a much more durable finish. If you drive your car with painted carbs, there will be some gas leakage that will stain or remove the paint from the carb body. With Dichromate, a little mineral spirits on a rag will remove the gas residue.

I've attached two pictures of '66 Tripoers that I restored, one with the old Eastwood formula, one with dichromated carbs. Judge for yourself.

Admittedly, if you don't have access to a shop that will do zinc dichromate, the Eastwood paint is better than leaving the carbs the natural zinc-gray color. There aren't many shops that will do dichromate due to the hazardous nature of the chemicals, but there are a few still doing that process.