C2 Surge Tank Restoration

[Ralph E.]

I removed the surge tank (expansion tank) from my car, how do I clean it up. How do I get the brushed aluminum look again? I don't want a mirror polished look.

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 Surge Tank Restoration

The easiiest way to get the tank to look like it did in the 60's would to buy a repro from DeWitts who ads in driveline. mike

[John C.]

So what's the hardest way? *NM*

[John H.]

Re: C2 Surge Tank Restoration

I've had good luck with a maroon Scotchbrite pad and WD-40 to create a satin finish on aluminum - that's what I used on the aluminum engine compartment panels on my Cobras a few years back.

[Mark H.]

Finish "flaking" off?

The surge tank on my '64 is flaking off in spots. Incorrect repo part? I never really thougth about it but if the part is supposed to be all aluminum, it shouldn't have any finish to flake off, should it?

[Joe C.]

Re: Finish "flaking" off?

Somebody probably clearcoated it. Give it a good bath in lacquer thinner or acetone. Do not use a ScotchBrite@ pad unless it's badly scuffed.

Joe

[Michael S.]

Re: Finish "flaking" off?

If you expansion tank is full of dents, there is an easy way for dent removal. Get an old 13-15# radiator cap, you dented expansion tank and some firecrackers.

1. Plug hose openings in expansion tanks with plugs secured with band clamps.
2. Light 1 firecracker.
3. Drop firecracker in expansion tank.
4. Install radiator cap.
5. Remove expansion tank from hands.
6. Listen for KABOOOOOM!
7. Go check tank for dent remvoval.

This really does work great! The radiator cap will release the excess pressure and the initial pressure will remove the dents.

If you do not get all the dents try again or add another firecracker.

In case of too many firecrackers, call Dewitt's for replacement tank as mentioned above.

Mike Strinich
#11202

[Mike M.]

Re: Finish "flaking" off?

Mike: great tip. can't wait to try it. Maybe gilbert and the boys will allow you to give a demo at the nationals in Windsor this comiong summer. If the board won't allow your tech session as an officially recognize convention function, we all can meet in the parking lot one evening. Bring cherry bombs and lots of the beast. regards, mike

[Clem Z.]

"beading" race tires on the rims

we mount the tire on the rim,squirt some ether into tire,throw in a match and watch the tire seat on the beads. may work for expansion tanks

[Ralph E.]

Surge Tank Restoration

John,
Why use Scotchbrite pad and WD-40? Wouldn't a Scotchbrite pad alone without WD-40 have the same results.

[Rob M.]

Re: Surge Tank Restoration

You can also use aluminum jelly to clean off any corrosion. I did this with a fine scothbrite pad. The aluminum jelly will also "dull" the finish if it has been polished in an effort to clean up.

I like the pyrotechnic method of dent removal. I did it the hard way with a formed piece of steel as a dolly that I could snake in through the cap hold. The tapped out the dents with a rubber hammer.
Good luck.

[John H.]

Re: Surge Tank Restoration

The WD-40 provides some lubrication so you don't see scratches and swirl marks all over the finished surface - just a nice satin finish. Pic below from a magazine article on one of my Cobras - a LOT of aluminum to deal with, and you don't want to have to keep working on it after the engine's in the way

[Clem Z.]

hey john,whats with the heat barrier, if the

heat from the exhaust does not melt the rubber on your shoes it is not a "true sports car"

[Ralph E.]

Re: Surge Tank Restoration

John,

Thanks for the help. The scotchbrite pad worked great.

Ralph

[John H.]

Re: hey john,whats with the heat barrier, if the

Clem -

I knew I had a 2000-mile highway round-trip to Talladega for the "Cobrafest" and back as the car's first outing (left with 8 miles on it), and having built two Cobras previous to that one, I knew what hour after hour of 70-80mph cruising would do to my feet. That's why I took special steps to make sure this one had GOOD insulation against radiated heat, with four pipes running across the front of the footbox, only a couple of inches away. Worked great, did the same treatment two years later when I built my tube-frame Grand Sport. Cobras without this kind of insulation bring a whole new meaning to the term "hotfoot"