Muncie case finish

[Joseph H.]

I have the engine and trans out of my car as my restoration moves ahead. I think I understand the engine finish and painting, but the trans case is in question. I did not find much in the archives or the judging guide. I understand the case is aluminum and I assume it to be just a natural finish. Mine appears to have a varnish type substance on the case. it appears on the bulk of the case, but not to the edges of some areas like it was applied quickly and not thoroughly.

My question is was there some type of coating applied at the factory? Should I clean this off somehow and leave a natural finish? What would be the best way to clean? I did see a post regarding some cleaning methods. Or, should I clean this up and leave as is?

[Tracy C.]

Re: Muncie case finish

Try lacquer thinner and see if it will cut it. The case should just be natural as cast alluminum.

tc

[Joseph H.]

Re: Muncie case finish

Any idea what this stuff is, I have not tried to clean it off yet.
Thanks.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Muncie case finish

Joseph,
I have a lot of munci cases and none are coated and I don't remember seeing a factory coating.
What works terrific for me may not be good for judging but looks good year after year.
I glass beed then wash the aluminum with water rather than solvent spray yo get the dust off. ( I get dry streaks from solvent )
Then I use crystal clear rustolium and it looks great. most ask how I get the aluminum so clean.
aluminum oxidizes from the day it's born if not anodized or protected. I 've tried to keep it looking new with no results. I think the only way is to seal it in a nitrogen case and don't ever touch it.
Any way I do all my aluminum that way and the stains wipe off with mineral spirits, (paint thinner). intake, alternator, and aluminum valve covers.
I am sure that something looking that good will loose points in judging because the aluminum only looks new once then begins it's natural oxidation process. That's got to be hard for the judges that see aluminum in various stages of it's life. That's the only way I could keep mine looking new.

DOM

[Domenic T.]

Re: Muncie case finish

Joseph,
I was at my shop and shot a few pictures of the finish I was talking about that I did a while ago on this frame up. The bolts are not correct on the manifold because they are in the next cad plate box.

DOM

[Joe R.]

Re: Muncie case finish

You might want to revisit the finish on the intake manifold and alternator.

Your transmission and chassis restoration looks great.

JR