Cleaning aluminum intakes?

[Tom S.]

I have a 3890490 intake that was painted. I was able to get 99.5 % of the paint off with stripper.It looks pretty good but the finish is quite dull. What can I use to clean it further? What should the finish look like?I want to sell it when it is cleaned up, but I don't want to bead blast it or sand blast it for fear of getting residue up inside. I think it is fairly rare so I don't want to do anything to damage it.Thanks in advance.

Tom Stanton #41491

[Dennis A.]

Re: Cleaning aluminum intakes?

Tom...

If you want a first class job, send it to Resoration Services.

[Mike Geary]

Re: Cleaning aluminum intakes?

There are several liquid aluminum cleaners, based upon phosphoric acid, that will help quite a bit. I have used Eagle Wheel cleaner (for non-clearcoated wheels) followed by a little hand brushing with Comet cleanser.

My '65 intake came out looking like it had been tumbled --just the look I wanted.

MAG

[Kevin M.]

Re: Cleaning aluminum intakes?

If your going to sell it leave it alone and let the buyer take care of it. Cleaned parts or restored parts sometimes lose originality if not done correctly. You'll make the same money selling a dirty original piece and save the hassle of sending it out. It's hard to add mark up after shipping and restoration, you'll end up eating into your profit.

Kevin Muldoon

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Cleaning aluminum intakes?

What method do they use? Is it "Water & Powder" blasted?

[Tom S.]

Re: Cleaning aluminum intakes?

Thanks to every one who answered.I am going to sell it the way it is! It looks pretty good now. I'm still interested to know what the color or finish should look like? Should it have a shine to it? Now it is kind of a dull silver looking finish, maybe even a little on the gray side. Being color blind it's hard for me to tell. Thanks again!

Tom