Polishing Aluminum Heads

[topfuel724]

I have a 59A engine with Canadian Aluminum heads. I am considering polishing the heads and was wondering if there was any reason for not doing this? Your replies would be appreciated.

[19Fordy]

A Fordbarn search reveals lots of opinions.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/searc...rchid=37260964

I've had polished aluminum heads on my flatty since 1999. No problems. I use DEXCOOL.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Prestone...kH30t3hIwMDVg0 Corrosion caused by electrolysis of the head surface from the dissimilar metals (copper gaskets and aluminum heads) can be a problem if you don't maintain the Ph of your antifreeze at the correct level. You can also use the traditional ethylene glycol BUT, don't mix it with any other antifreeze.

I also add this product and check the antifreeze with a voltmeter every 6 months.
https://norosion.com/norosioncoolant.htm
and
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervie...CA1&ajaxhist=0

Like I said, don't mix different antifreezes together. This can cause major, major problems. I have seen coolant turn to jello inside radiator, heads and block due to mixing of different coolants. That's fatal to your cooling system.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=can+yo...ANAB01&PC=HCTS
I also hang an anode inside the radiator from the radiator cap. You can also use a zinc anode that screws into the head.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=radiat...ANAB01&PC=HCTS
and still more info.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showt...adiator+anodes
Hope this helps.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by 19Fordy

A Fordbarn search reveals lots of opinions.
https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/searc...rchid=37260964

I've had polished aluminum heads on my flatty since 1999. No problems. I use DEXCOOL.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Prestone...kH30t3hIwMDVg0 Corrosion caused by electrolysis of the head surface from the dissimilar metals (copper gaskets and aluminum heads) can be a problem if you don't maintain the Ph of your antifreeze at the correct level.

I also add this product and check the antifreeze with a voltmeter every 6 months.
https://norosion.com/norosioncoolant.htm
and
https://www.bing.com/videos/rivervie...CA1&ajaxhist=0

Also, don't mix different antifreezes together. This can cause major, major problems. Your antifreeze will turn to jello inside radiator, heads and block.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=can+yo...ANAB01&PC=HCTS
I also hang an anode inside the radiator from the radiator cap. You can also use a zinc anode that screws into the head.
https://www.bing.com/search?q=radiat...ANAB01&PC=HCTS

[Tim Ayers]

Timely thread. With your Canadian heads, it should be a fairly straight forward process. I'm in the process of doing the sides and tops of the fins on a set of new Edelbrocks.

3m has an incredible product called Trizact. Comes in 3" or 6" discs. It's very forgiving and will not dig into the surface. Great for a first timer.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/trizact-us/

I would also recommend using felt pads in the 3" variety and 6" felt flapper wheels as well.

You can do it right on your work bench. I did a car club plaque and went up to 5000 grit Trizact and got it to a mirror polish.

[19Fordy]

Wow Tim, that Trizact looks to be the ultimate finishing product. Never knew there was 8000 grit.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collisio...ducts/trizact/

[Tim Ayers]

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Originally Posted by 19Fordy

Wow Tim, that Trizact looks to be the ultimate finishing product. Never knew there was 8000 grit.

https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collisio...ducts/trizact/

Yep. Goes down to 500 and up to 8,000. It lasts a long time too. One snag is that it's pricey. I'd recommend getting a sample pack from various members on Ebay to try it first. I just bought some boxes to replenish my stock it was up to $40 a box for 15 pads depending on the grit. Not cheap, but the results are incredible and it works so well.

[itslow]

Just keep in mind that once you polish them you'll never get that factory finish back.

[alchemy]

If you sand all the lettering off people might mistake them for the Weiands.