Whats the latest thinking of restoring/finishing the Alternator fan and Housing ?

[graemewinfield]

I am doing a small restoration on my 1985 3.2 Carrera which is almost completed now and looking awesome (can't say how pleased I am with the results.)
(This was all testing the local body shop I am using before my 912 shell goes in for its rebuild.)
However now, the Alternator fan and Housing are corroded and stick out like a sore thumb and I have to do something about it.

I am planning to remove it and restore it, (I strongly believe in restoration rather than replacement.)
I have been doing a bit of research. It seems there are three alternatives Polishing, painting or powder coating. All seem to have advantages and disadvantages.
Has any one done this and what were your opinions on the different coatings with the finish lasting.
I am leaning towards clear powder coating at the moment, has anyone any advice ?
Also what was the original finish ?, it looks like a goldish colour.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[sesame]

Hi, My understanding is that the fan originally had an anodised finish, like the Fuchs wheels. I'm not sure of the magnesium housing, perhaps that was left as a plain metal finish like the top half of the aluminium engine. I've only known our housing from 18 years old. Hopefully there will be someone on the Forum that knows the answer. Our engine bay is in good original condition and I quite like the natural patina of the mottled finish on our housing, although the fan leading edges and tips let the look down a bit as they seem to have lost their finish. If re-anodising the fan is out of the budget range I quite like the body colour fans I've seen as an alternative to originality. Steve

 

[graemewinfield]

Hi, My understanding is that the fan originally had an anodised finish, like the Fuchs wheels. I'm not sure of the magnesium housing, perhaps that was left as a plain metal finish like the top half of the aluminium engine. I've only known our housing from 18 years old. Hopefully there will be someone on the Forum that knows the answer. Our engine bay is in good original condition and I quite like the natural patina of the mottled finish on our housing, although the fan leading edges and tips let the look down a bit as they seem to have lost their finish. If re-anodising the fan is out of the budget range I quite like the body colour fans I've seen as an alternative to originality. Steve

Thanks for sharing your ideas, and advice.
I haven't had time to really research the 911. It was only 2 years old when I bought so I have had it about 35 years now.
My engine is nice and clean and in a really good state except for the appearance of the fan and housing. The Fan is worse than the housing.
The centre and pulley was definitely anodised It looks like a goldish colour. I plan to get them anodized as original. The fan itself may have been, it may have just all flaked off, I may have a better idea when I remove it.
The housing looks like it wasn't, I suspect you are right and it was just left so a really good clean up might be all it needs.
I am guessing it will patina very quickly so I am considering a clear powder coat to keep its appearance.
I am still undecided about the fan. Your idea it may have been anodized would be the nicest option. I am a bit worried if painted it wouldn't last.

 

[sesame]

The golden colour of the pulley is Passivated Zinc. Many hose clips ('Jubilee Clips), nuts and bolts were also passivated zinc coated. Good luck with the refurbishment. How nice to have owned the car for so long. Steve