Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

[CN Spots]

Got a Edelbrock Performer 390 intake that's lost it's "fresh out of the box" look and was wondering if anybody knew of any tricks for getting it to shine up easily. A fiend told me that NAPA used to sell an acid designed for this but I can't imagine them selling something like that this day and age. Thoughts?

I plan on clear-coating it this time with POR 15's Glisten PC to try to keep it looking nice... for a little while.

spots

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

CNS, maybe Por15 has a product? Acids are used for a variety of purposes. There is no restrictions on them.

Was the manifold originally polished? If not, it would take a ton of work to get it to shiney. If you just want to get back to clean bare aluminum, without the polish, bead blast it then apply the Por15.

If it was originally shiney, I think you'd just have to re-polish it. I think any acid cleaners would dull it up, albeit clean and uniform.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

Autosol with a buffing wheel,buy the can not the tube ,any bike shop has it does a great job almost brings the dead back to life.After your done you will have to wear shades

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

If it's not polished, Alumibright works great. Just spray it on then hose it off. NAPA sells it.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

'taint polished... getting a 3/4 horse buffer for Christmas though so it might be soon! I'll swing by today and pick up some Almuibright and give that a whirl Thanks!


spots

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

'taint polished... getting a 3/4 horse buffer for Christmas though so it might be soon! I'll swing by today and pick up some Almuibright and give that a whirl Thanks!


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Be sure to post some before and after pictures!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

This was done with a 50 buck 6" ScotchBrite wheel, and then buffed with white Rouge. Been polishing my (and others) Harley parts for years. Vic does not clear coat his Mans that I know of, so in your case just a Mothers Powerball, and Mag polish. Done.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

Check out what Eastwoodco sells. I have been to many hot rod shows and there are alot of companies out there that sell buffing and polishing supplies. Eastwood has been in business a long time.

After you get done polishing - good clear coat should keep it looking good for a long time.

 

[speedwrench]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

Go by the the local truck stop or auto parts, they sell aluminum cleaner, all it is is diluted oxalic acid.

Better choice is have it powder coated by company that coats headers.
Shine will last for years with little care.

Dave

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

I hit it with the stuff from NAPA Friday and although it made it brighter than it was, it was still rather gray and dull but uniform. I went to Lowe's and expanded on my set of drill mounted brass bristle brushes (steel chews up aluminum too bad) and proceeded to shine it up a little better. It looks close to new now. If I cleared it now I'd be happy with it.

The machine shop called yesterday and said that my heads were ready so she's almost ready for reassembly. Still need a bunch of little stuff though.... let's see what Santa bring tonight8)


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[Autotech1]

Re: Restoring a shine to an old alum intake manifold?

Zep-alum is acid you are looking for. look for it in truck stops or truck parts stores.