Polishing Aluminum

[ylbill]

I want to start cleaning up the engine the best I can without removing too many things. Anyone have a suggestion on the best way to clean the aluminum parts i.e. intake manifold, cam covers etc. I've heard of things like Autosol and Simichrome, but not sure if these will help with oxidation? Thanks

[RRoller123]

Hi Bill: Where in Mass are you located? FYI: The regular Cruise Nights at the Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro begin this coming Thursday. (No idea how to effectively polish aluminum, sorry, but I will be reading the responses carefully myself!)

[ylbill]

Hi Bill: Where in Mass are you located? FYI: The regular Cruise Nights at the Bass Pro Shop in Foxboro begin this coming Thursday. (No idea how to effectively polish aluminum, sorry, but I will be reading the responses carefully myself!)

Hi Pete, its Bill in Attleboro. We have previously emailed each other. I was looking for a mechanic to repair my oil leak in exhaust manifold and possibly distributor and you gave me some suggestions. I think I'm going to take it Dublin Motor Company in Warwick, RI. He works on mostly Alfa's, but is familiar with Fiat's too. Can't make cruise night, my son's coming in from VA and I need to pick him up at the train station. What time does it start? I thought I remember you saying there's lots of cars.

[4uall]

here is a good video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBAPWj3TYQo

[RRoller123]

Gotta love YouTube. Amazing how much stuff is up there.

[blurple124]

I actually decided to do this on my engine. I did all of my polishing by hand, which took a lot of time but turned out pretty well.
They started out pretty rough:




I started with rough sandpaper and worked my way up slowly from about 80 to 600 grit:



Then finished it off with 1500 wet sanding and 1000 and 2000 grit polish:



After that I got some VHT Clear Engine enamel and coated them so they don't tarnish and painted the hardware with some blue.



For the intake manifold I just sandblasted and clear coated it:



A lot of work, but it turned out pretty well, I think.

[Jimb]

just paint rubbing compound works great. Various gritiness (sp?) are available of course, but you dont need to buy specially packages aluminum polish. Jim

[4uall]

looks nice Charlie

[grittracing]

they look great, might i add a car detailers secret for your hoses clean your hoses soap and water let dry than clear gloss spray paint. and your yellow belt cover and fan if rust-o-leum "sun yellow"