Thanks Gary, answers my question about the group after reading your extensive thread. Do you know when they made the change?

Is the one piece group made of aluminum, brass, or some other metal?

My guess is it's chrome plated brass. Non magnetic and way too heavy for aluminum. Luckily the bore looks OK.

Gary - Any idea where they usually crack? This one looks fine, but will go over it with a fine tooth comb after it comes out of the de-scaler. Considering the build quality, it would probably take a hard impact to damage it. Doesn't seem like something that would crack due to use or maintenance.

Thanks Gary -

Just pulled the group from the vinegar and it is chromed brass. Can see no damage, actually in decent condition and should clean up well. Bore is smooth.

Got the frame back from the powdercoaters. Had them do it in a satin black and it turned out nice. Started mocking it up to see how to address the T fitting for the vac valve and safety valve, as well as checking fitment and trying to remember where stuff goes. Also wasn't happy with the stock Pstat location under the boiler. The plan it to go with a Ma-Ter aligned vertically along side the boiler above the water line.


Also drilled and tapped for the group studs, as well as removing the quick disconnect tabs from the element posts, which were threaded for nuts and washers.

The group bore has a ring. It looks sorta like dried coffee, but neither a brass brush or steel wool will remove it. The group is plated and would guess the bore hard chromed if not the whole group. The ring is slightly raised and can be felt when a finger is lightly run over it. Any suggestions on how to smooth it? I am thinking of something like a cylinder hone much like those used for brake cylinders, but don't want to get too aggressive. The bore is 2 3/8 inch.