Any of you guys ever heard of it? I did a search and came up with zip. It makes your aluminum intakes and transmissions look like NOS.

What is an NOS quality W30 or W31 intake worth these days?

 

I've never heard of re-skinning aluminum. I know there are different processes for cleaning and polishing that can make them look like new or have a chrome shine. Clear coats can preserve them, however with the high heat an engine produces they can discolor rapidly if not done right or even if done right they will discolor over time.

 

bkeese,

Jerry MacNeish is the one that most people refer this "re-skinning" term to.

Here is a quote from his website, "We reskin (a gentle tumbling process) that restores the aluminum housing to brand new original condition".

Hope this helps

http://z28camaro.com/wp/

 

I wondered if anyone here knew about it. I have been a member of the NCRS for over 30 years and they say it appears NOS. There is NO organization more **** about originality than the NCRS. I am about to send valve covers, intakes, trans cases, bell housings out the the pros in re-skinning aluminum, including 2 W31 intakes. The process is "super secret" there may only be 2 in the country that know the process. I believe I have figured it out, but the machine is probably north of 100k. Actually, send is not correct, take is more appropriate, the expert live about 20 miles from me. Maybe I can get a peak at his machine.

 

Lamar Walden has done Olds aluminum intakes before and they look great.

http://lwaengines.com/?page_id=2

 

The process is called wheelabrate. Most times steel shot is used. It's not that big of a mystery of a process.
Check with a competent engine builder or foundry.

 

Wheelabrate/bakeabrate..is a diff process than reskinning..

reskinning is actually spray welding a new layer....

 

First of all, it isn't "reskinning". No new "skin" is being applied over the old aluminum. It is simply a process using various types of media blasting and/or tumbling to refinish the surface to as close to an as-cast finish as possible. In all cases, material is being removed, not applied.

 

I tried using a high heat clear also and it yellowed but now I use aluminum cleaner or wheel acid but it needs some polishing after for acid marks.