re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish?PIC

[Keith R.]

Re: re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

I've got a '60 bellhousing that has been painted and so many have cautioned against blasting, I'd like to use a non-blasting method to restore the aluminum. So what's the best method? I'm thinking paint stripper with a brass brush and then a product like Nu Bright? Got to do the same thing with an aluminum thermostat housing.

[Chuck S.]

Re: re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

I've got a '60 bellhousing that has been painted and so many have cautioned against blasting, I'd like to use a non-blasting method to restore the aluminum. So what's the best method? I'm thinking paint stripper with a brass brush and then a product like Nu Bright? Got to do the same thing with an aluminum thermostat housing.

Use paint stripper, but probably better to skip the brass brush. A nylon bristled brush would be better if brushing is even required. If you want to brighten the aluminum (really not necessary where you're painting), you can use a mild phosphoric acid and water solution...Nu Bright may be the same thing; read the ingredients. However, I would avoid polishes which may make the part abnormally bright. Wash the part well with soap and water after you're finished.

[Harmon C.]

Re: re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

If the end result is the finish appears correct to the judges that day that's all that matters. How you get to that point will not matter. Only a test on the judging field will find out if the finish is correct as far as that days judging. Even then the next time two different judges may have a different idea on the same finish.

[Chuck S.]

Re: re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

If the end result is the finish appears correct to the judges that day that's all that matters. How you get to that point will not matter. Only a test on the judging field will find out if the finish is correct as far as that days judging. Even then the next time two different judges may have a different idea on the same finish.

What you say is true, but since we never know which two judges are going to judge, the best course is to take our best shot at making it appear as it did when it was first made. Then, if judges deduct, it is because we either didn't succeed in matching the appearance it had when new, or the judges don't know how it looked when new. If their judging experience is based on restored cars, then Terry's concern above is justified.

To me, Ridge's photo example above looks very much like a freshly cast bell housing. It has slightly more shine at the 12 o'clock position, which may betray a little work or friction polishing from use, but it looks good to me.

[Keith R.]

Re: re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

Use paint stripper, but probably better to skip the brass brush. A nylon bristled brush would be better if brushing is even required. If you want to brighten the aluminum (really not necessary where you're painting), you can use a mild phosphoric acid and water solution...Nu Bright may be the same thing; read the ingredients. However, I would avoid polishes which may make the part abnormally bright. Wash the part well with soap and water after you're finished.

Thanks Chuck. Good advice, however it's my understanding from the JG that the 60 aluminum bellhousings had a varying amount of overspray with engine paint so for the most part the aluminum finish would be apparent, right?

[Chuck S.]

Re: re-finishing my bellhousing on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

Thanks Chuck. Good advice, however it's my understanding from the JG that the 60 aluminum bellhousings had a varying amount of overspray with engine paint so for the most part the aluminum finish would be apparent, right?

It sounds from your JG like 60s are painted like later small blocks.

Painters at Flint would have painted the engine completely, with overspray extending over onto the bell housing. That doesn't necessarily mean just a little edge of overspray; at the 12 o'clock position you'll probably cover half way or more to the transmission. But, as your JG implies, every one was different. The rearward remainder of the bell housing should look like freshly cast aluminum if you can manage it.

[Rick S.]

Re: re-finishing my bell housin on my 68 I blasted it, now what is the correct finish

Well, it looks like I did something right the first time when working on my car. I used paint stripper and then power washed my bell housing. Thanks for a very informative thread!
Rick