Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian
With respect, how does anyone know 'exactly' what the factory-cast finish looked like? Not trying to be argumentative, but exactly which of the above pictured finishes exactly matches that of a brand new casting? And how does one verify this?
I still maintain that a vapour blasted surface produces an 'as cast' finish.
The problem is maintaining that 'as cast' appearance. Aluminum, by virtue of being that element, soon tarnishes/oxidises just by being in contact with the atmosphere. So, it ends up looking somewhat like the above picture portrays, however, that ain't what it originally looked like! IMHO
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No argument intended, and I would guess that your 'vapour-blasted' aluminum surface likely SHOULD NOT distort any 'as cast' finish. I only made my observation to warn neophytes that the natural finish will be irreplaceable IF bead blasting occurs. Applications of clear lacquer, etc. after blasting will leave a shiny surface, but it looks NOTHING like the original finish. Many folks (myself included) are not equipped to utilize common forms of vapour-blasting. As far as 'soon tarnishing/oxidizing' goes, that depends on many environmental factors. I have two gorgeous, original Winters Bros. (factory GM) 365 hp Corvette manifolds on the 327 engines in our '65 Vette and our '40 coupe that both look nearly 'as new'. I also have an old Weiand 2 X 2 hi-rise which has certainly been used, but the finish is unmistakably original with a sheen. DD
The manifold below is a known NOS unit. The surface has an obvious, smooth sheen that can't be duplicated after bead blasting.
This manifold below has been bead blasted. It is certainly clean, but the surface is dull with bazillions of little imperfections where the beads have 'moved' or distorted the aluminum finish making it microscopically 'rough' as compared to original.
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