Aluminum Intake

[David D.]

Anyone have experience or knowledge as to possible best method(s) for cleaning an Aluminum Intake (3844461).

Been told any kind of 'blast' (i.e. walnut shells, bead, etc...) could change look of aluminum etc...it would also need to be re-sealed.

Thinking about trying just some off the shelf Aluminum Wheel Cleaner (multiple applications if necessary)

[Noel K.]

Re: Aluminum Intake

Same question, only a little different.

I have the engine out of my '65 for a rebuild ( even though it was rebuilt 3 years ago before i owned it - but that's another topic ).

I have the aluminum intake which is in pretty good shape with only small areas that show a little discoloration (darkening).

Along the same line, I just obtained the correct valve covers without the casting flaw through the "o" which are aged and dusty/dirty but in overall great condition. How best to clean these covers without making them too clean? I don't find any notation in the judging guide regarding deduction of points if the valve covers have been polished - but don't want to overclean to the point having them look too clean or refinished.

So - best suggestions regarding minor cleaning or both the intake manifold and the valve covers.

Thanks in advance,

Noel Kendall

[mike cobine]

Here's the answer for both of you

John Hinckley has posted on here several times about reskinning aluminum manifolds and I think valve covers. I dont' remember his information, but it is easy to find.

Go to the Archives and do the more recent, Jan 1 2005 to July 2005, I think, and search for "Hinckley" and "aluminum" (search for "ALL WORDS") and if that doesn't get it, do "Hinckley" and "reskinning" (again "ALL WORDS").

This will find the contact information he has given several times. I haven't seen him post in a few days so hem may be gone, so that is your fastest method.

[Chris H.]

Re: Aluminum Intake

Reskinning seems to be the right answer but it also is expensive. There was an article in the restorer which I tried.

I throughly cleaned using aluminum wheel cleaner (for true uncoated mags) as best I could. I then sprayed less than a mist coat over the covers and rubbed lightly with a slightly solvent damped rag. Most of the paint came off but the covers look mech better, yet still do not look painted. No harm in trying, you can always go the reskinning route if you are not satisfied.

Chris

[Clem Z.]

reskinning is done in a

ultasonic tank with glass beads and water

[Michael H.]

Re: reskinning is done in a

How does that work Clem? Is that bead mixed with the water under pressure? I'm not up on all this new fangled stuff.

[Craig S.]

Re: Here's the answer for both of you

Mike - John uses Jerry MacNeish at Camaro High Performance.......seee link below.....Craig




Camaro High Performance

[Irby G.]

What about baking soda blast???

I've heard that this is very gentile and will only remove the discoloration. Does anyone have experience with this on aluminum parts?

[Clem Z.]

Re: reskinning is done in a

the ultasonic action vibrates the water and the glass beads around do the cleaning. i used to have a 4 gallon ultasonic cleaning tank filled with carb cleaner to do carbs and it would clean a carb in 1-2 minutes where just soaking it in carb cleaner would take several hours. the ultrasonic action was strong enought to heat up the carb cleaner. they sell small units to clean jewery and dentures at home.

[Michael H.]

Re: reskinning is done in a

Ok, thanks Clem. I wondered how that worked. Guess I've been away from the industry for too long now.