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I had my alternator case ceramic-metallic plated, using the "cermakrome" process by ThermalTechCoatings in Hopewell,VA. They do other finishing as well, including powder coating in candy colors. Great company. OT and I have used them repeatedly.


http://www.thermaltechcoatings.com/prod01.htm


I sent just the 2 halves of an old alternator case to Thernotech to coat inside and outside. You have a choice of a brightly-polished finished or a more subdued satin aluminum, which is what I chose. Easy to keep using either a very-fine scotch-brite pad or synthetic steel wool. Price at the time was $45.00 to coat both halves inside and out, after initial cleaning and bead-blasting to remove small defects






The also did my polished valve colors, using this same coating, only polished.


Here is the reason for using the thermal barrier coating on the alternator.

Increased internal alternator temperatures from extended idling can also contribute to lower electrical system output voltage. As the alternator’s internal temperature rises, the alternator’s output capability is reduced, due to increased electrical resistance with heat. That is why I used the thermal barrier properties of the "cermakrome" coating from ThermalTech. This coating is an aluminum-ceramic based heat dispersant coating that enables the alternator to run at a cooler temperature, thus prolonging the life of the alternator.


After ThermalTech finished the Cermakrome plating, they sent the alternator case directly to Maniac Electric in Dallas, where they were waiting for the case to arrive to finish up my 160A high-output alternator.


For two weeks I had the alternator in my Polo, working perfectly. I then became aware of a couple of intermittent strange readings, small in nature. I called Christian and she immediately built another high-output unit and sent it overnight it to me. I took out my Cermakrome plated one and sent it back to her by 2nd day air.

After one full day there the problem was fixed. She could not duplicate my readings and thoroughly went through their testing procedures again. On the slim chance there could have been a minute crack in the regulator circuit board, she installed one of the new regulator made in Germany, which are a lot more stable (These new ones are used exclusively in our rebuilds now).

Overnighted back to me and I reinstalled it, working better than ever. When I tried to send her back the second loaner alternator, she just told me to keep it as a spare in case I ever needed it again. They both come with a lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.




In case you need a little more "bling" under the hood, Maniac offers a great chrome-plating service for their alternators for only $80.00 complete. Adds 4-5 days to the order.









Here is ThermalTech Coatings Contact Info


Hours of Operation: Monday thru Thursday 9:00 - 6:00 PM EST.

Telephone: 804-452-0263

Toll Free: 1-877-754-9795

FAX: 804-452-1825

Shipping address: 312 E. Poythress St., Hopewell, VA 23860

Email address: webmaster@thermaltechcoatings.com



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