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I know this subject has been discussed before, with lots of discussons on aluminum surface cleaning and "reskinning" (from what I understand, a process of tumbling in media impregnated with chemicals that the folks won't divulge). I noted that Joe Lucia mentioned that aluminum is an amphoteric metal that is soluble in both acid and base liquids, but I am wondering if a weak solution of one or the other could be safely used to brigten an alternator case safely, otherwise I may just sent my 696 to John Pirkle. Anyone out there done this at home with success or am I wasting my time by trying myself? I will be sending my 5069 intake manifold to either Jerry MacNeish or Don Dorfman shortly, (I have heard wonderful reports on both) and maybe I shoud sent the 696 case along for the ride too....thx!....Craig
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Craig, I used Aluma Blast on my Alternator then washed it with a brush and lac thinner. I kept the bursh just damp, not wet. It came out great, it didn't look like a bubba repair at all. Nothing to lose, give it a try... -
Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Hi Dan - thanks for your input, Aluma-Blast is silver paint isn't it? I was looking for a cleaning process without coating the aluminum case, but apparently the subsequent wash with thinner removes much of the paint. Have you had this finsih through NCRS judge scrutiny? Or did you use it just to make an nice appearing alternator for a driver. Thx for your thoughts...CraigComment
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
I had excellent results with Aluminum Jelly (the aluminum version of Naval Jelly acid) on a set of aluminum valve covers on my 66. They had been painted by a PO and, after stripping, they were fairly dark and oxidized looking. I started out by brushing on Aluminum Jelly (it may be called something close to that name - Alumijelly??) and then thoruoughly washing it off after 15 seconds. I cautiously increased the time interval until I was satisfied with the appearance of the valve covers. I would suggest using this in an inconscipous place, like inside the casing, until you have your interval right. Then you will be ready to try it on the outside of the case.
GaryComment
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Thx Gary, that sounds like the ticket to try...CraigComment
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Craig, I did start with a through cleaning of the alt with lac thinner before using the Aluma blast. I've never had the car judged but I believe it would pass muster. I am very particular that I don't "over detail" the car.Comment
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Once again, let me advise you to go slowly and carefully with the acid treatment. It may be irregular or a non-typical procedure but I had good luck with it. Remember, you can always increase the time that the Aluminum Jelly is on the case, but you can never subtract if you leave it on TOO long.
GaryComment
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Dan - thx again....maybe this will work well, I receved a few emails of folks that had done this. I guess the original aluminum shows through on the surface, and the pores have the alumi-blast to brighten it up. Not a bad idea!...CraigComment
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Re: Cleaning my 66 Alternator Case
Thx Gary - I have another old/dirty common alternator that I will experiment on first, I had to pay too much for the correct 696 to even think of damaging it....also I have receved multiple emails on folks saying Dan's process also works well for judged cars too. Maybe use both processes?....thx, CraigComment
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