'83 SC Alternator Strap Removal

[Gordo2]

Snowy day so I decided to rip out my alternator to bead blast the fan and housing to clean it up.

Got the assembly off but I can't seem to remove the band (I would like to paint it). Does it slide out under the retainer brackets or what? Which way is easier to slide it out (toward the distributor or other side)? It seems to be wedged in place.

Also if I get it removed, how difficult will it be to reinstall. I don't want to paint it only to find that I chew it up on reinstallation.

Thanks, Gordo

[bit]

Hi Gordo,

I actually removed the distributer to get mine out. Put the engine at TDC and yank the dizzy. You can then get the band out on that side. Wasn't to bad to do. Re-install after powdercoat was about the same difficulty, I re-inserted it from the distributer side and then put the diz back in, pointing to the #1 TDC mark and checked the timing.

.Steven
1980 911SC

[Gordo2]

Making headway on the fan,

Before:



After $15 bucks & 20 minutes of bead blasting (I love that machine)



But still having difficulty getting the strap off to paint.



The passenger side heater duct is removed and I would prefer not to pull the distributor. Any tips/tricks? Do I just have to muscle the thing out? I'm about 20 more minutes of frustration away from wrapping the thing in plastic and tape and painting it on the spot.

Thanks, Gordo

[NY65912]

I'm doing the same.....see distibutor help post. Learn from my mistake.

The distributor needs to come out, but do it in the correct way.

Mike

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

I had to pull my distributor to get mine out and back in, no other way.

[Gordo2]

I hate to half A$$ jobs but this was intended to be a "simple, quick" project.

Looks like it gets painted while on the engine, or at least 3/4 of it.

Thanks guys,

Gordo

I will post how things turn out.

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

It's really not that hard. Just put #1 at TDC and note the position of the roter when you pull it. I didnt even pull mine all the way out, just enough for the strap to clear it.

[yelcab1]

Why are you so afraid of pulling the dizzy? You don't even have to time the cam to put it back.

TDC number 1, mark the dizzy anyway you like
Leave it at TDC number 1, put it back where marked.
Done.

[UTKarmann_Ghia]

Ya, what he said

[bit]

Ya Gordo, it takes about 5 min to do.

Here's what mine looks like now after powder coat.



.Steven
1980 911SC

[Gordo2]

I didn't remove the distributor. Wasn't that I was technically concerned, I've done it before on other vehicles. More concerned about how I have a tendency to try "improve ($$)" things before I reinstall them. I think some of you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Either way, here's how I painted the strap without removing it:
(I could work for Macco)



And the finished product:



I painted the fan & housing with 3 coats of high temp paint in cast aluminum color. Will follow up in a few months to provide feedback on how it holds up. Hit the strap with a high temp flat black.

Thanks, Gordo

[Gunter]

Steven: I am going down memory lane when looking at your engine; had exactly the same. But now, the A/C is gone, fan blower gone, rear whiper gone, Cruise control gone, SSI's are installed and I have room to work in there. Try it, you'll like it.

[Doug E]

Don - looks great! Where did you get the bead blasting machine?

[Gordo2]

Doug,

Being in the military not only do I get to enjoy visiting exotic locations such as Iraq, I have access to an on base auto hobby shop that has loads of tools.

They have a bead blaster and charge $15 for 1/2 hour. Makes cleaning stuff up a breeze.

The place is pretty nice (dispite the dilapidated appearance from the outside). Has around 16 lifts, big stuff like machine presses, bench grinders, paint booth, drill presses, air tools and a nice selection of mechanics tools including stuff you normally wouldn't buy. Biggest shortfall is the lack of welders and torches.

Ever need anything blasted on the cheap I'm always open for a visit from the NoVA crew. Besides if you are creative, you can find some great roads to get down here.

Gordo

[kqw]

This weekend, I used my dremel tool to polish my fan. looks good however, there are a few unpolished spots I need to get to. How does that fan come off. I noticed the "key" retainer but was reluctant to mess with it.....

[kqw]

I figured it out.....

[GrindingGears]

Originally posted by Gordo2
Will follow up in a few months to provide feedback on how it holds up. Hit the strap with a high temp flat black.

Thanks, Gordo

Well how has it held up?

Your finished look is exactly what I'm going for.

Where did you get the high temp paint (cast aluminum and black)?

[Gordo2]

But... I haven't logged too many miles since the project (somewhere around 1,500-2,000 miles since painting). Here's a pic I took a moment ago (as is, no cleaning or touch up since I painted it):



(Note: poor lighting is responsible for the discolored look, in better light it looks like it did the day I painted it: clean, bright cast color/look).

There is a little wear along the leading edge of the fan, but only noticable if you are really looking for it. My guess is that the paint will hold up and still look good for around a year and a half.

I used VHT (brand) brake caliper, drum & rotor paint in cast aluminum color (SP-735). Can't recall where I bought it (probably Home Depot, Lowes, Wal Mart or other convient auto parts place). It's good stuff. I had it left over from when I rebuilt my rear brakes. I painted my calipers and outer portion of the e-brake drum with it. That job was 2 years ago and it has held up very nicely, I expect the same for the fan.

Gordo

[SP2]

Hey Gordo,

I know this is a two year old thread, but I was wondering how the VHT paint on your fan and fan housing and strap is doing. I am now thinking of using the same paint. Any advice? Your finished product looked great.

Thanks!

[Gordo2]

Other than being a little dirty (which you get no matter what you coat it with...), the paint is holding up fine. Will try to remember to take a pic tonight - without cleaning and with a quick clean up.

Gordo