C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Does anyone know how I can replicate the original finish on my 2 X 4 manifold. It has a dull grey finish that looks like it was media blasted. I was hoping there was something I could do myself to prevent having to ship it off to be refinished.
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Mark,
There was an article in the Restorer many years ago about using a thinned out aluminum paint to improve the old finish. I have also heard of people using Aluminum Jelly to clean and refresh aluminum. Lastly there are a few people who believe you can media blast on very low pressure (15-20 psi). Apart from those, I don't think there is much you can do besides using one of the usual vendors. The cost of this service is not that high (less than 150 I think). Considering the cost of replacing a manifold that might destroyed by trying something too aggressive I think it is a pretty good deal.
Joel -
Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
The last time I cleaned the manifold on my 63 (340 hp) I used a product called "Alumiwash" and it came out just like new. I don't recall where I got it or who made it, but that's what my notes say from about 1992. I understand some people have had good results with Brake Cleaner. Of course, I'm talking about cleaning it while on the engine, but if you have it off you have far more options. I intend to clean mine again in the near future so I will be looking for the product, and following your thread for additional ideas.
Stu FoxComment
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
The process of "re-skinning a manifold" is not that costly and well worth the money. One of those jobs that should be done by a professional, that is if you want it done right. Good luck.
Steven J.
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Stu,
Did you fin the "alumiwash" product.....I have searched high and low for something similar on google, etc....need to give my 340hp manifold a refresh....does not demand reskinning.
Thanks, LennyComment
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Lenny;
(that was always the name I chose for myself as a kid).
I recently did some clean up on mine while I had the distributor out, but used "Brake Cleaner". It didn't give me the fresh silver aluminum finish that the other product "Alumiwash" did, but it got rid of the gas stain which was minimal to begin with. I'll check into again further and get back on about it if I find what I'm looking for. Thanks for reminding me.
Stu FoxComment
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Stu....found it!!! At least I think so...."aluma-wash" is how they spell it.....take a look at the link and see if it is familiar......see, even a newby can help....LOL
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Lenny;
That sure sounds like the stuff, all right. I don't think I had it in a gallon jug though. I believe I had a more standard spray bottle, but that may have been in a diluted form - possibly got from my brother or a friend - I don't recall.
Sounds like it is worth the investment and then you can share with others, assuming you don't have a business that can use a lot of it.
Stu FoxComment
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Well, I am going to give it a whirl.....also found another product called "Aluminator" that is a mild etcher for aluminum and other metals. Unless others have tried it and found issues, will also pick up a spray bottle of that.....see link below.....
Will try it on underside befor getting too carried away.....smile....thanks Stu.......LennyComment
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
You might also consider this as it comes in smaller quantities:
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Re: C1 Aluminum Intake Manifold Finish
Mark, If bubba blasted the intake then your best shot is to have it professional refinished to bring back the original finish. Highly unlikely any old chemicals alone are going to bring back the original finish once a casting has been blasted.
I know you want to do it yourself though. You can try it but highly unlikelyyour finish will last very long.
Get some phospheric acid and water it down big time. For each a gallon of water if you put two shot glasses of phosperic in it you put too much. Use less-not more. In a big plastic container put the watered down phosperic along with a shot of dawn liquid detergent. Then use some nice fine scotch brite bads and scrub the crap out of it. If you see your casting getting darker that means it is chemically burnt. So cut back on the phospheric.
You can buy it at NAPA. Called twin etch. Or you can use aluminum wheel cleaner which is also phospheric, etc. and water it down.
Now someday if you decide to go the gamut and have it refinished you must remove the rivited on pan. Good luck, JohnComment
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