Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Thank you all for the many recommendations, I will try these options to see what performs the best.

[Richard G.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Most transmission shops just want it to look nice, originality never even occurs to them.
If originality is paramount my preference is soda blasting. The dustless type works excellent.
Typically used for paint removal. However, machine shops are known to use something close to this process on aluminum heads.
The case will look like it was just popped from the mold.
I just used the process on a 4L60E automatic I cleaned up for a hot rod C10 I am working on.
When I was done I powdered coated the transmission.
Only automatic I have ever seen power coated. LOL.
Now I wish I would have taken a picture of it before it was painted.
I realize this will not work for you now. Just an information only post.
Rick

4L6E Powder Coated.jpg

[Brooks G.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Guys, has anyone tried vapor blasting? I have heard that this process will leave a smooth finish which may be similar to the original finish. It uses sand and water which is combined into a slurry. Supposedly it does not leave a gritty finish like air blasting. I recon this will not help in this case where the aluminum parts are already assembled. I hope you find something that will work for you.
Brooks Glover Jr. (2141)

[Richard G.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Vapor blasting can be with sand,glass or soda or a combination.
Any type of blast media can be used, though glass beads, or a mix of sodium bicarbonate (soda) and fine glass beads are normally used for wet blasting inside a cabinet. What I used is similar only no glass beads and I do it outside a cabinet. The soda dissolves and can be washed out easily. An important requirement on a transmission.
Lots of great options we didn't used to have.
Soda blasting was first developed to restore the Statue of Liberty.

[Harry H.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

This was done in my vapor honing cabinet. I use very fine glass bead, like stated already, the aluminum finish will dull somewhat on its own over time.
IMG_0228.jpgIMG_0215D.jpg

[Todd L.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

That looks a lot more natural than the glass beading that was done on my trans. Great suggestion, thanks!

[Gary J.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

[QUOTE=Harry Holzke (46102);886760]This was done in my vapor honing cabinet. I use very fine glass bead, like stated already, the aluminum finish will dull somewhat on its own over time.
IMG_0228.jpgIMG_0215D.jpg[/

QUOTE]

What brand vapor honing cabinet do you have?

[Harry H.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

It's a Vapor Honing Technologies VH3630. Love it.
VH3630.jpg

[Chris S.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

I vapor hone all my alum parts - They look just cast !
Vapor hone is a wet process vs a dry blast
Here are a couple intakes I did and valve covers -
101786.jpg96679.jpg101786.jpg

[John D.]

Re: Finish on already sandblasted Borg Transmission

Todd, Getting the aluminum castings professionally refinished will help a lot. You need someone with big equipment to get the bell housing done.
John