How can I make these valve covers look like this?

[Jim Baxter]

How do I make these valve cover, intake manifold and exhaust manifold



look like this

[G B.]

First, you bead blast them to death.

Then you coat them with clear urethane paint.

But rather than ruin such valuable parts, you might want to have them cleaned in a vibratory tank full of ceramic beads and water. Jerry MacNeish and many others will do this for a fee. The resulting finish won't be as shiny, but it will look more original and won't attract smartass comments from old men like me.

[Jim Baxter]

Re: First, you bead blast them to death.

I didnt realize they were painted. Can you recommend anyone in the Houston texas area? I will look up Jerry.

Thanks

[Mike M.]

Jerry's Web Site Camaro Hi-Performance

http://www.z28camaro.com/index.html

[G B.]

Houston?

Jim, I don't know of anyone "reskinning" aluminum car parts in the Houston area. Certainly there are large vibratory cleaning tanks in some of the businesses there, however.

Gary Summerville in Santa Fe (near Galveston) is currently looking for a local vibratory cleaning facility to use for his FI parts. You might give him a phone call at (409) 925-1098 to see if he's had any success.

I use Fred Hudson in Oklahoma City as well as MacNeish. You can call Fred at (405) 942-2729.

In your shoes, I wouldn't let anybody experiment with my parts. It is possible to use ceramic beads that are too large, and you can certainly leave the part in the vibratory tank too long. I would also be very wary of anyone who claims that a tumbler can do the same job. A tumbler can be much rougher on car parts.

[G B.]

Also John DeGregory

I forgot to mention that John DeGregory in PA also does an excellent, professional job when refinishing aluminum valve covers and intakes.

[Mark Ring]

Re: How can I make these valve covers look like th

The intake was painted with VHT high temp aluminum paint. The valve covers were powder coated and the exhaust manifolds were treated with graphite lube.

-Mark.

[Mike Harpster]

Re: Also John DeGregory

Could you post the contact information for John... Where is PA is he located?

thx,
Mike

[Gary S.]

Re: Also John DeGregory

John is a member of our Pittsburgh Tri-State Chapter. You can reach him via our web site at: http://www.ncrspitt.com/contact.html His link is there. Btw, his work is excellent.
Gary