Okay, since I will never be able to get back my aluminum finned valve covers, I found some that someone was selling. They are dull, greasy, and need cleaning. What are the ways to get these to look good again? Should I consider sandblasting? Chemical? And how would one protect it?

 

Post some pics bro........

Chemicals are very bad on Aluminum and Sand would texture the surface too much. Maybe soda blast and then polish with high speed dremel.

 

you can sand them successfully but its a pain in the butt and takes a long time

gotta be careful but it can be done right....

 

I'll get the camera phone on them tomorrow hopefully.
They are in good shape, but they are different than the ones that came on my 84, although they are marked E4.

 

One word, WENOL

 

I remember that stuff, Skip. Never used it. I will have to check into it. I picked up a set of roller rockers for cheap and want to put on the valve covers at the same time.

 

a citrus cleaner would help you out Puter.

 

They have 2 types, one for aluminum and one for chrome. Try Seco, last time I was there they were still selling it.

 

This looks really good but kind of expensive:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=110545

 

Ralph, shoot me a pic. I might have something that can help.

 

We have some polishers similar to that we use on cranks up at work, looks like I need to throw some stuff in

 

Okay, I found a camera.
I have already degreased these.

 

I think you should talk to some platers or pro's that work in powder coating they usually know what to do and to direct you in the best path to get these cleaned up. I'd stay away from home solutions until you get some pro advice, otherwise you may do more damage that good.

Jed

 

*grins*

Yeah, these are some nice valve covers. They are in extremely good shape. I think my biggest issue is just the stain. It would be good to have a clean, uniform shade.

 

I have had the same problem with cast aluminum finned valve covers over the years and after 40 years working with alum. as a machinist the only way to stop alum. from oxidizing is to coat it. What worked best for me was to use a blast cabinet with glass beads, blast the entire part [gives it a satin finish] then block sand the top of the fins with 400 grit wet dry paper to give them a nice grained look then take them to a plating shop and have them clear anodized.The plating shop can do the work for you and thwe finish will last for years.

 

Mother's has a cleaner for alumminum I used it all the time. The rest of the Mustang gets Meguairs.

Mothers® Product Line Guide

 

Years ago I used this http://www.toonbrite.com/products.htm to clean the pontoons on a boat. The best I can remember it removed all the stains and made them a uniform white color. If you used this I am sure you would have to polish them afterwards. A coat of clear powder coat would then keep them shiny.

 

Very good thoughts and posts, thank you.

I am not needing show quality, but I am hoping on having them look good and clean. There are lots of site I have read about anodizing. I believe there is even a place here in town that someone recommended.

Anyway, it sure is cool to have a pair of these again. I might end up selling them unless I can verify that SVO B351 roller rockers will sit under them. I had some cheapo RRs before which is why I had to fangle up some EFI covers.

 

Ralph, here's another thought for you. Take them to Jesse at It's Not Paint out on Nick Fitchard Rd. off Hwy. 53. He does a lot of powder coating for the gov't and can probably take care of them for you. Tell him I sent you and that you're a member of the RCMC, maybe he'll give you a discount.