Can I restore my aluminum intake

[Ray G.]

Wondering if anyone on the TDB can give my advice on how to restore my 327/350 intake ?
Someone started to do a minimum polish of the exposed aluminum surface.
Thanks
Ray

[Michael M.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Have the intake manifold vapor blasted.

[Floyd B.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

I got good results with jelly aluminum cleaner and a power washer. The power washer I used was an electric 1700psi type - not a gas powered 2500+psi. Other methods would probably work fine. Just don't use any type of abrasives. If you decide to use the jelly, be careful and follow the instructions on the bottle. If left on too long, it will turn the aluminum black.

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Wondering if anyone on the TDB can give my advice on how to restore my 327/350 intake ?
Someone started to do a minimum polish of the exposed aluminum surface.
Thanks
Ray

Really no way to put the foundry sand cast finish back on after its been polished. I have seen some that were RESKINED & its not a sand cast surface.

[Gary B.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Ray,

Just a warning. There are many techniques and products that will damage the finish of an AL intake. My recommendation is to send it to someone who restores them professionally. I think Jerry MacNeish does them, but there are others. Search thru the archives for recommendations.

Gary

[Robert P.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

I will second Gary's advise sent mine to Jerry MacNeish for a small repair and refinish and it came out perfect
Bob

[Chris S.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

I vapor hone blast all my alum - it looks just like the day it was cast
I also have used Jerry M with great results.

https://www.surfacerefinishingtechnology.com/

This is a company I use - He does ALOT of work for Kevin at Corvettes Inc

[Joe R.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

You might want to check with John DeGregory as he does a fine job on valve covers and is an expert with FI units!

JR

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

You might want to check with John DeGregory as he does a fine job on valve covers and is an expert with FI units!

JR

Those are diecast and not sand cast. BIG DIFFERENCE on finish.

[Page C.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

I also have had Jerry MacNeish refinish an aluminum intake manifold. Was very pleased.

[Gary J.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Jerry is also great in making repairs too.

[Daniel S.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

We've used Jerry to repair and reskin countless intakes throughout the years. I suggest being patient as the lead time is lengthy, but the service is great.

[Ray G.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Hello;

Thank YOU to all who offered advice on the Aluminum Intake.

Ray

[Garry M.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Hey Ray,

A number of us had good results with J&P Precision Deburring in CA.

There is a Vapor Blasting/Honing place in Mesa. JRA Vapor Honing. It happens to be right around the corner from Streetside Classics, where we'll be for our chapter judging meet this weekend. Only open M-F, 9-4pm. Website is jravaporblasting.com I may pop by there before setting up on Friday.

Cheers
Garry

[Ray G.]

Re: Can I restore my aluminum intake

Thanks Gary