The valve body, bonnet and wedge are produced from cast iron, and the rubber was, naturally, somewhat worn out. The old valve’s body and bonnet had been coated with red primer, where after it had been top coated with blue epoxy.
After a thorough clean-up, the stem was rotating, the valve was able to keep tight and was basically fully functional. The valve has a bronze stem, which now-a-days is mostly manufactured from steel.
Back in the 70's, the design of such a valve was slightly different than it would be today. The bonnet, body and wedge core was in grey cast iron, and flat bonnet gasket. The wedge (first generation) had part of casting epoxy coated, meaning not fully encapsulated and stem thread cut directly into the casting. The thrust collar was mounted with a lock ring.
All in all, the valve is a good example of how quality design and construction assures long-lasting, reliable products.
