I've been told both, but what are they? I've researched this on the forum, some say only magnesium used was on the early '84 models with the center vent, but others maintain that even the GT vents are magnesium? I have a couple sets of engine vents at a powder coater right now (second go around) and I told him they were aluminum. He's working at stripping them now (removing the powder coat from the former botched job) and he's got some of them down to bare metal, and told me they are magnesium. How can you tell for sure, and how does it (the difference in the two materials) affect the powder coating process?
[This message has been edited by a_bartle (edited 03-20-2014).]
Changed to aluminum sometime during 85 model year. They are both cast metals, cleaning and baking methods should be very similar. If not cleaned properly, blistering is possible.
Regarding 86-88 GT vents, I believe that the answer would be "stamped" for all fastback vents, and they were NOT made of magnesium. They never cast the 86-88 GT versions. That said, on the notchbacks they of course DID cast the '84 Center Style in Magnesium- won an engineering award for use of magnesium as many here know- and then cast at least the '85 through I believe part of '86 vents in a material other than magnesium. Then those ended up stamped as well- the later vents on some '86 and all '87-'88 notchback are much lighter weight and flimsier than the '85's for example. They also changed the "screen" underneath the vents from a cool hexagonal pattern in '85 to the crappier slotted pieces for '86-'88 vents. I can't tell you precisely WHEN they changed over, but they did.
IF anyone has information contrary to what I've posted though PLEASE do throw it out here, as I'd like to know!!
-Gary
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 03-20-2014).]
Regarding 86-88 GT vents, I believe that the answer would be "stamped" for all fastback vents, and they were NOT made of magnesium. They never cast the 86-88 GT versions. That said, on the notchbacks they of course DID cast the '84 Center Style in Magnesium- won an engineering award for use of magnesium as many here know- and then cast at least the '85 through I believe part of '86 vents in a material other than magnesium. Then those ended up stamped as well- the later vents on some '86 and all '87-'88 notchback are much lighter weight and flimsier than the '85's for example. They also changed the "screen" underneath the vents from a cool hexagonal pattern in '85 to the crappier slotted pieces for '86-'88 vents. I can't tell you precisely WHEN they changed over, but they did.
IF anyone has information contrary to what I've posted though PLEASE do throw it out here, as I'd like to know!!
-Gary
Gets asked from time to time, The quick answer is if its the large grill in the decklid itself (1984 model only) Yep magnesium......
Not really....thin wall castings are used in a lot of applications. I have years of industrial casting and finishing experience, I have to say that I was impressed and surprised after a seeing the stripped vents.
they are magnesium, at least on my '85. I had to clearance one of mine and got the **** scared out of me when a spark caused the ground in front of me to burst into flames.
------------------ 1st class A**hole.
we're in desperate need of a little more religion to nurse your god-like point of view...
I think they changed to aluminum in 85. I have seen two similar notchie vents. One was very light. One was heavy enough to be used as a weapon. Fastback vents are cast. I believe, aluminum.
I think they changed to aluminum in 85. I have seen two similar notchie vents. One was very light. One was heavy enough to be used as a weapon. Fastback vents are cast. I believe, aluminum.
I'd never heard of anything but the '84 center grill being magnesium. It seems people here are stating that at least some of the '85 vents are also cast magnesium?
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 03-24-2014).]
they are magnesium, at least on my '85. I had to clearance one of mine and got the **** scared out of me when a spark caused the ground in front of me to burst into flames.
Magnesium doesn't "Burn" until around 900 degrees Fahrenheit from everything I've seen...Though I suppose you are suggesting that the "powder" from your grinding maybe lit up?
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 03-24-2014).]
Magnesium doesn't "Burn" until around 900 degrees Fahrenheit from everything I've seen...Though I suppose you are suggesting that the "powder" from your grinding maybe lit up?
the powder lit off when a spark from a piece of steel landed on it. with the same characteristics of burning magnesium. and before you say thermite, there wasn't a large enough concentration of steel/iron in the area.
[This message has been edited by ericjon262 (edited 03-24-2014).]
the powder lit off when a spark from a piece of steel landed on it. with the same characteristics of burning magnesium. and before you say thermite, there wasn't a large enough concentration of steel/iron in the area.
Interesting. I bet that did scare the crap out of you!
