C2 Alternator Case Restoration

[Eugene B.]

Members,
I am looking for information about restoring the aluminum case of my '65 alternator.

The '65 TIM&JG states: "The alternator is a natural color aluminum without evidence of polishing or glass beading."

This obviously rules out glass beading as a case restoration technique. What cleaning methods will generate a new appearance without incurring point deductions?

Thanks,
Gene

[Earl G.]

Re: C2 Alternator Case Restoration

Send it to John Pirkle and don't worry about it.

Gunner

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Alternator Case Restoration

Earl.
Thank you for your reply to my posting. Where can I find contact information for John?

Regards,
Gene

[Donald L.]

www.johnpirkle.com *NM*

[Earl G.]

Re: C2 Alternator Case Restoration

Gene,

John Pirkle
3706 Merion Drive
Augusta, GA 30907
706.860.9047

Great guy and great work.

Gunner

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Alternator Case Restoration

Earl,
Thank you for the contact information on John.

My alternator is electrically fine and totaly functionally. I would like to have a cleaning procedure for the case that I can do myself or have performed locally. I don't mind the disassembly and reassembly work.

I hate to incur the cost of a total rebuild and shipping when all I really need is cosmetic restoration.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Gene

[Gene M.]

Re: C2 Alternator Case Restoration

Gene,
In the old days they had this stuff to clean bare aluminum screen doors. You must have an old Ma & Pa hardware store that still has some of this cleaner. I use the bead blaster set at 40 pounds and hold the alternator case about a foot away. This is to just clean it so keep the gun moving and don't stay in one spot. Then follow up with the screen door cleaner. Rinse good. Final step is to put it out side for a bath in some acid rain to age the surface a little. This will look more original than any commercial restorer does. They always look shot peened and destroy the as cast surface.

You can do this same procedure on aluminum valve covers too. Don't leave out the acid rain or it will not look virgin surfaced.

[Eugene B.]

Re: C2 Alternator Case Restoration

Gene,
Thank you for your response and tips. I also found some tips on cleaning aluminum intake manifolds that might be worth a try. I will try your procedure first.

Thanks again,
Gene