67 L-71 Intake

[Fred Y.]

I just finished reading a Yr 2000 thread from a gentleman here cleaning his L-79 intake. Well, I had my machine shop clean & de grease mine, but it still had a good amount of dirt & grime in the "pores" of the alum as it were.

I just spent about an hr with some good Ol Brillo soap pads & hot water, & I'd say it's not bad but certainly not new looking either. More elbow grease is needed .

There was mention in the above thread about the assembly line spraying alum paint to cover up the orange overspray. In the JM pg 118 there is mention of an intake painting process.

It seems to me that saving every buck in both material & especially labor would be paramount for the General !

I feel I could just scrub this a bit more & it would be darn nice. OR----Put in in my bead blaster, but then anything would be irreversible-------------lastly, my machine shop mentioned a man who had his alum camaro intake put in his shop's tumbler for a while----this too would potentially be irreversible.

I'm thinking of some more of option #1 scrub with elbow grease.

Thoughts from past restorations--??

Thanks,Fred

[Terry D.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

Did you search the archives? I believe this has been discussed a few times.

[Fred Y.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

I looked briefly last night. I only saw the paint thread ---- I will look some more.

[Daniel Y.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

tumbling makes it look just the way it was when new. Jerry Macneisch does it (mighty expensive). PM me and I will give you another source mush more reasonable

[Gene M.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

Ultra sonic cleaning bath should remove all dirt and grime. It will not harm the aluminum. Any type of abrasive will destroy the original as cast surface. Clean and set out in the acid rain to appear natural as cast.

[Joseph T.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

Fred
I have used aluminum cleaner ( Zep Alume ) . It is used to clean aluminum truck wheels and aluminum semi trailers. Worked great.

Joe

[Gene M.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

Fred
I have used aluminum cleaner ( Zep Alume ) . It is used to clean aluminum truck wheels and aluminum semi trailers. Worked great.

Joe

The cautions on this product sound a bit scary. It is an acid which sound like it attacks metal in some way.

Specifically designed for cleaning both over-the-road and delivery trailers. May also be used to clean and brighten tanks and aluminum siding on industrial buildings. NOTE: DO NOT use on aircraft or aircraft materials, on anodized or highly-polished metal surfaces (including stainless steel and aluminum), on aluminum or magnesium wheels or wheel covers, painted surfaces, plastic center caps, or allow runoff to contact such surfaces, as irreversible damage or dulling may occur. Keep product off glass, fiberglass, and ceramic surfaces. Should product accidentally contact any of these surfaces, flush immediately with water. Repeated use of this product can cause degradation of metal equipment and damage to concrete and metal surfaces.

[Joseph T.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

Gene
You are correct in that the Zep Alume is a bit harsh. I neglected to say that I usually cut it 50 - 50. Also I do not let it sit on the surface for too long.
Joe

[Fred Y.]

Re: 67 L-71 Intake

Getting back on this thread (finally). I ended up using no acids ,but alot of time ,simple green & elbow grease & she looks very respectful. The last thing I want is for it to look over restored. Thanks to all.
Fred