I was fortunate enough to find numbers matching carburetor and intake manifold for my recently acquired L36. The carb is being restored as we speak. what is the "best" way to recondition the aluminum intake without loosing that factory mold patina? I don't want to use an impact (e.g. soda blasting) or abrasive method (e.g. aluminum polish).
Aluminum Intake Restoration
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
Dick,
Here's Jerry's web site:
Joe- Top
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
I have had very good results with a combination media blast of glass/plastic together. I use a guy in Connecticut and the results come out looking like it is new. Not oversrored and not under restored. Just the way it should. Would be happy to discuss it with you. Thanks."SOLID LIFTERS MATTER"- Top
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
I appreciate all of the suggestions and have added them to my "Corvette Contacts" list. However, I'm looking for the DIY solution. The intake is in good condition overall but the surface has grim, smudges and oxidation one would expect of a 40+ year old automobile part.
Many people might say that I'm full of cr@p but to my eye aluminum castings fresh from the mold have a special patina that is hard to describe. They somehow refract light differently - with a satin-like ghoulish glow that makes them look like they just reentered the atmosphere from outer space. It just seems like any media blasting or abrasive techniques I've seen remove that patina and there is no way to get it back.
While it is very possible (or even likely) that the oxidation is what destroys the patina, I was still hoping that there is a chemical solution that removes the foreign material from the surface without disturbing the patina.
Thanx'69 Blue/Blue L36 Vert w/ 4-Spd
'73 Blue/Blue L48 Coupe w/ 4-Spd
'96 Red/Black LT-4 Convertible
"Drive it like you stole it"- Top
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
Floyd-
go to hardware store and get Aluminum Naval Jelly by Loctite.
this is the DIY treatment you are thinking of. You paint it on, let it set, perhaps scrub a little with a stiff plastic brush, then wash off. Cleaned the grunge off my manifold, and brightened it up like new. You will like what you see.
gotta add for Jack P. -
Mine still looks new about 2000 miles later.... and I was going to leave you alone re. your car running wild through the fields, but now you went and kicked me. We love our cars as we love our dogs, but our cars are not dogs. You can keep your car locked in the garage for months, or for ever, and it will be just fine. Remember, they are just cars, not dogs...Last edited by Don H.; January 5, 2012, 10:55 AM.- Top
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
Floyd-
go to hardware store and get Aluminum Naval Jelly by Loctite.
this is the DIY treatment you are thinking of. You paint it on, let it set, perhaps scrub a little with a stuff plastic brush, then wash off. Cleaned the grunge off my manifold, and brightened it up like new. You will like what you see.'69 Blue/Blue L36 Vert w/ 4-Spd
'73 Blue/Blue L48 Coupe w/ 4-Spd
'96 Red/Black LT-4 Convertible
"Drive it like you stole it"- Top
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
Way to go Don.........keep chasing those points...........can you trade them in for a toaster or bottles of bourbon?
Hope you have fun in Fla. watch out for Frankie..........seems like we all are guilty of being ......well.....kids....
I would not mind a little SoCa sun right about now
Jack
ps I have used the naval gel on my ............................intake.........looked great...until I drove the car for few miles................
With all the driving you are doing, you may need a new set of tires............or butt........- Top
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Re: Aluminum Intake Restoration
...aluminum castings fresh from the mold have a special patina that is hard to describe. They somehow refract light differently - with a satin-like ghoulish glow that makes them look like they just reentered the atmosphere from outer space. It just seems like any media blasting or abrasive techniques I've seen remove that patina and there is no way to get it back.
Some of the smudges and dirt are stains that have soaked into the skin. Go ahead and try to chemically remove them, but I ended up sending my stuff to John DeGregory.
Paul- Top
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