i am looking to clean some Aluminum parts. i used glass on my old W-31 intake and now it is very dull. i was wondering what the proper media is to use on aluminum or if there is a better way in general to clean aluminum. my buddy has an industrial ultrasonic cleaner but is not big enough for an intake manifold or heads. is there something i can use and keep that original shine? or is there something that will bring back that shine on the W-31 intake?

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Great question,I'll be watching to see what kind of replies you get.

I have a w-30 intake that needs a little cleaning for my future big block build.

thanks

 

Crushed walnut shell media is a popular option when trying not to disturb much, but think just about any kind of blasting is going to dull things a bit. Suppose you could always hit the manifold with a buffing wheel/compound later, but maybe shine too much, and lots of work. Maybe some light blasting media, followed with clear engine enamal would do it. If paint, would at least partially plug up the center exhaust passage though.

 

Hi guys,

Sorry I missed the post. My good friend Allan pointed me in the right direction. When I blast aluminium parts specifically intakes, spacer etc. I clean them with a processed (smashed up) garnet first then go over them with glass bead. The bead polishes the aluminium to a nice sheen without being too 'in your face'. I did my own Jaguar intake, thermostat housing and carb spacers and it looks awesome. I attached pictures. These parts are normally black from the factory ( not the twin cam head) but I'm not that much of a purist. The last step is a high temp clear coat that won'tturn yellow. I used VHT clear which is holding up pretty well. Jags run hot to begin with.

 

My W30 intake was glass beaded about 20 years ago. Every couple of months I wipe it down with GM heat riser penetrant #88862627. Still looks good.

 

perhaps anodizing the aluminum once it's been semi polished? I know you can colour aluminum but also there is a clear version and basically it seals the aluminum, when you get aluminum in most DIY shops it is anodized to keep the oxidation low, perhaps seek a service or maybe DIY

http://www.atmsite.org/contrib/Newman/anodize/

 

thanks guys, i found out that it fit in my friends ultrasonic cleaner and it looks great. it is amazing how well those things work.

 

this is how it turned out. not completely perfect but i am happy with it.

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I'm not an expert in this area, but the person who I buy my media from at United Western Supply sent me the following email:

"I would try a very fine Aluminum oxide. Either 180 or 220."