"Weathering" Aluminum Intake

[John O.]

I recently bought a really nice 396 intake manifold. The manifold has been lightly beaded. The finish is not super-glossy but does have more sheen than I want. Can these manifolds be "weathered" to make the finish dull or untouched?

Thank you,
John Osterholm

[Dick W.]

Re: "Weathering" Aluminum Intake

You might take aluminum wheel cleaner, one that is listed not to use on polished wheels and "weather" the intake. Wet the intake good with water then spray the wheel cleaner on the intake, lightly brush with cleaner and rinse completely. Using the cleaner on a dry intake or failure to rinse completely will streak the intake. Good luck.

[Bill W.]

Re: "Weathering" Aluminum Intake

try wetting it down and scrubbing it with comet or ajax and a good bristle brush. that should dull it down. be carefull of the alum. wheel cleaner it could turn it black if its to strong.Bill

[Rob A.]

Re: "Weathering" Aluminum Intake

Like Dick suggested, try Eagle brand "etching formula" mag cleaner. (If the back side was bead blasted also, try it on that side first).

[John O.]

Re: "Weathering" Aluminum Intake

Thanks for the advice guys. I will give these a shot.

John