Author Topic: Cleaning aluminum valve covers  (Read 710 times)

Offline big bad blue

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Cleaning aluminum valve covers
« on: August 19, 2022, 09:22:44 PM »
 My Cobra Jet valve covers are in pretty nice shape, just wondering if I could brighten em up a bit? Any suggestions? Don't want to change the original look. Just a little more pop. Thanks.
« Last Edit: August 20, 2022, 12:13:14 AM by J_Speegle »
70 Eliminator, dearborn 428 CJ born 11/12/69, auto.

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Cleaning aluminum valve covers
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2022, 12:12:32 AM »
You will find earlier discussions on this site as well as the Boss 302 and the SAAC sites. Not one way to get the job done that every one agrees with. Just some of the related threads I found using the search feature. Since the material is the same some of the techniques (minus the fin finish) may help

Since starting condition and staining is not all the same it makes the solution different

Be careful though if you choose wrong you can cause irreversible damage


https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=16135.msg101009#msg101009

https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=6688.msg37854#msg37854

https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=9338.msg127690#msg127690

https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=18834.msg119052#msg119052

https://www.concoursmustang.com/forum/index.php?topic=11946.msg73191#msg73191
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline rockhouse66

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Re: Cleaning aluminum valve covers
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2022, 07:43:10 AM »
One of Jeff's linked threads probably mentions this but I think vapor blasting is the best because it doesn't really alter the original look but deep cleans it.
Jim
'66 GT FB

Offline J_Speegle

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Re: Cleaning aluminum valve covers
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2022, 04:49:47 PM »
Yes read the posts about different processes and the opinions since not every one agrees on the results of every process.

You can send the COBRA valve covers out to have them restored by a shop like Shelby Parts & Restoration for a fee that you'll have to call to get the price for
Jeff Speegle

Anything worth doing is worth doing concours ;)

Offline Bossbill

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Re: Cleaning aluminum valve covers
« Reply #4 on: August 22, 2022, 12:23:43 PM »
Yes read the posts about different processes and the opinions since not every one agrees on the results of every process.

You can send the COBRA valve covers out to have them restored by a shop like Shelby Parts & Restoration for a fee that you'll have to call to get the price for

Just don't bother emailing ...
Bill
Concours  Actual Ford Build 3/2/67 GT350 01375
Driven      6/6/70 0T02G160xxx Boss 302
Modified   5/18/65 5F09A728xxx 347 Terminator-X 8-Stack
Race        65 2+2 Coupe conversion