57 Tbird rocker covers
 

Has anyone any advice on the best method to clean and polish up the 312 Y block Aluminium Rocker (Valve) covers? Mine are are looking rough and spoiling the overall engine bay aesthetic!
Cheers

Rob

Re: 57 Tbird rocker covers
 

If they are heavily oxidized, start sanding them with medium to fine sandpaper, then to progressively finer paper until they are real smooth. Then use a rubbing compound to start bringing out a shine. Then a polishing compound.



I don't have any recommendation on hand compounds as i have used a bench grinder along with compounds and wheels from Eastwood.


I you have somewhat of a shine already, hand compounds may be all you need. Maybe something like Weenol. It's a lot of work hand polishing aluminum.

Re: 57 Tbird rocker covers
 

Haven't yet had the pleasure of polishing my aluminum valve covers, but eventually I will.
Many years ago I had a motorcycle with polished aluminum side covers on the engine and was very happy using Simichrome on them for a final finish. (at this link)

https://www.google.com/search?client...w=1366&bih=635


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Re: 57 Tbird rocker covers
 

I did a pair back in June. What I did was wash them in gasoline so there was no greasy surfaces..used scoth brite in the gas too. Then using a DA sander I did all smooth surfaces and over top of the grooves. 220 Grit then 320 then 400. Used a Dremel tool with various stones to do around the T Bird logo. Then I sat in a chair in the back yard and wet sanded all surfaces with 320, 400 then 600. I folded the sand paper around Popsickle sticks to do in hard to reach areas. Took one afternoon to do each one. AFter that, used rubbing compound on my buffer, followed by wax. Painted the Logo with paint from Hobby Lobby. ( paint before wax !!) They have a nice match in an outdoor enamel. Car club guys say they look very nice.

Re: 57 Tbird rocker covers
 

Might try getting them blasted with baking soda first to clean them up. Then polish.