Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

[Todd L.]

I purchased a rebuilt Borg T10 and Bell housing that were glass beaded and they look like they have been painted with silver paint. Does anyone know of a process or something I can put on these to make them look more natural and not so shiny and bright?

Thanks,
Todd

[Joe R.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Yes, a box of Brillo Pads and a lot of elbow grease will do the trick!

JR

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Ok, thanks Joe. Would you recommend a stainless wool instead of steel so the steel doesn't contaminate the aluminum?

[Ron G.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd,

Sandblasting totally changes the finish on any metal. If you are going to use a media blast, then I would recommend a combination of plastic and glass media as it will not change the original finish or texture. Even if you only used glass it would still be fine. I have done this with transmission casings, and alternators and have had much success. First I would strip the paint off and clean it with Simple Green to remove any residue before having it media blast. - Ron

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Ron,

I purchased the rebuilt transmission and it had already been glass beaded. I am trying to get the shiny finish back to a more original look.

Todd

[Ron G.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd,

On the casting part of the transmission I would still use glass/plastic media. On the smooth portion of the transmission I would use walnut shells. That's right, walnut shells because it will not harm the aluminum and it will not leave a texture.

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Ron, again, this has already been glass beaded and restored. I am trying to dull the finish to original.

[Tom E.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd,
mix up some bleach, water and trisodium phosphate in a spray bottle and liberally spray the whole transmission. Let it set for several hours and then rinse well with fresh water. What you are trying to do is oxidize the aluminum.
Tom

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Thanks for understanding my question Tom, that is what I was looking for. I will try that process. I appreciate the advice.

Todd

[Ron G.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd,

Ok, sorry for the misunderstanding. Here is another solution that will definitely dull the finish. If you apply some Naval Jelly on it and police it every 20-30 minutes so it does not dry or get too dark or dry up hard, that will work. However, when applying the Naval Jelly don't spread it thin like you are brush painting, but rather glop it on so it is applied thick. The key is to check on it every 20-30 minutes. When you have the desired sheen, remove the Naval Jelly with a scotch pad and then rinse it good with Simple Green and hot water and scrub the remaining residue with a nylon brush and then dry it with an air compressor or a clean cotton towel. That is the best I can do. Good luck. - Ron

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

That's interesting, thanks for that solution Ron

[Wayne L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd,
I have had T-10 housings "tumbled" with good results. This is the same process used on aluminum valve covers. This gets rid of most of the roughness of the cast surface. Then you can go ahead and use naval jelly, etc to get that oxidized look.

[Thomas N.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

If you take a stiff brush (kind of like a parts cleaner brush), dip it in lacquer thinner, and work the brush in circular motions and then lightly wipe off the top surface, this might help to reduce the shine/sheen. The intent is to take the top level of the paint off, and work the paint into the pores, and then the lacquer thinner will evaporate, leaving just a thin layer of aluminum paint in the pores. I'd give this a try before going to anything else drastic. You have nothing to lose, except a little time. This just might be satisfactory to you.

[Philip A.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

I purchased a rebuilt Borg T10 and Bell housing that were glass beaded and they look like they have been painted with silver paint. Does anyone know of a process or something I can put on these to make them look more natural and not so shiny and bright?

Thanks,
Todd

I think there maybe some confusion in the replies regarding whether it is painted versus bare aluminum, and the technique to achieve the effect you want will be different. For bare aluminum I have heard of wrapping in rags soaked in vinegar (which is mild acetic acid) to oxidize. I have no first hand knowledge on this technique so test first.

[Tom E.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd,
Aside from all of the ideas presented the simplest solution is to leave it alone and let the aluminum oxidize naturally. It won’t take long, especially after you start driving the car and it’s exposed to the environment. After all, that’s the way the original transmission aged as I’m sure it was new and shiny when freshly manufactured. Just my .02!
Tom