Re-skin alum parts

[Tom P.]

Is anyone familiar with the re-skinning process for alum parts? Is the surface actually re-skinned with more alum, or is it just some king of re-finishing process to the existing surface?
Anyone have personal experience?

[Clem Z.]

Re: Re-skin alum parts

if i had to guess it is done in a tumble slurry process.

[G B.]

You're close

I use a large vibrating tank filled with ceramic beads and water.

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Re-skin alum parts

The best refinishing I have seen on any aluminum Part was this summer in England. A Shop in Haragate has a "Blaster", imported from America, that uses water and a powder to clean parts. I saw parts that had been sitting in a box for 3 months that looked like new/original pieces. I am waiting for Jimmy Blakely to give me the name of the machine and process.

[Clem Z.]

Re: You're close

that must one big ultrasonic tank as i had one to do carbs i thought was big but it would not do a manifold unless i did it in 2 steps doing it from each end. i did use it to clean stuff like rods and pistons. it would knock the carbon off of a piston in nothing flat. i understand there is a guy in ligonier pa. that does manifolds,FI dog houses and valve covers also

[Larry S.]

Re: Re-skin alum parts

I am not sure of how its done.But I had used a fellow names Jerry Macneish to reskinn some aluminum parts for my 66 and they look brand new.And the fellow was a pleasure to deal with.It almost lookes like a aluminum slag is sprayed on.

[Grant M.]

Re: Re-skin alum parts

Gary,

Was the 'powder' you describe some form of 'soda' (ie: baking soda, etc)? There was a guy in the Trenton-Brighton area a few years ago that offered 'soda blasting' for automotive paint removal. I never had cause to do business with him, but in a telephone conversation he described it as very similar to sand or other 'media' blasting, but with 'soda', apparently softer and subject to physical breakdown as it removed the paint.

grant

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Re-skin alum parts

I am not sure. Jimmy Blakely, in the Harragate area, will get us the information soon. The machine I saw looked like a large parts cleaner/blaster. The parts were smooth, but not shiney smooth, and looked like new.

[John H.]

Jerry MacNeish, www.z28camaro.com *NM*

[Tom P.]

Re: You're close

Jerry Bramlett,
What size ceramic beads do you use, or what size beads are needed for getting between the fins of valve covers when using a vibrator?

[G B.]

Re: You're close

I use three different sizes with the largest being about 1/8" in diameter. I would be glad to send you samples.

The vibratory tank I use is actually owned and operated by Fred Hudson in Oklahoma City. I'm sure he would be glad to process aluminum parts for you too. You can call him at (405) 942-2729 during evening hours.

You may want to ask John DeGregory about the aluminum cleaning process he uses. Perhaps it differs from mine.