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Old 09-10-2020, 10:53 PM   #21
Brian
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

Have you seen the finish vapour blasting gives? Looks like brand new!
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Old 09-11-2020, 12:14 AM   #22
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

.

I've gotta say WOW! That came-out pretty damned clean, yet still retains that factory-cast sheen which is destroyed via bead blasting. Bead blasting gets 'em clean, but they never look the same as when NEW! Have you got a brand name of that product? Available at boat supply outlets? DD

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Old 09-11-2020, 01:16 AM   #23
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

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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Old 09-11-2020, 02:29 AM   #24
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

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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
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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Old 09-11-2020, 08:28 AM   #25
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

Soda blasting is another option
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Old 09-11-2020, 09:09 AM   #26
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

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The "original" finish is going to depend, in part, on how it was cast. A sand mold casting ends up with a rougher surface that looks more like a media blasted surface. If the mold was smooth inside, like a steel mold, then the casting will end up smooth on the surface. That smooth outer surface is difficult to clean with any mechanical method. Some of the rebuilt carburetors come out looking like new.
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Old 09-11-2020, 06:27 PM   #27
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

The Marine hull cleaners I used were On & Off marine hull cleaners by Marykate ?, and Star Brite marine bottom & hull cleaner. The Star Brite seemed stronger than the On & Off, nut may heave been because it had been on the shelf longer. If anyone is considering this method, clean as much of the oily sludge off the part, and caked grime in corners 1st, do it outside in a well ventilated area, stay upwind, wear gloves & eye protection, and have a fresh water hose handy. You will probably like the results, but not the process. Takes about 2 hours all tol
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Old 09-11-2020, 06:39 PM   #28
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

I'm lazy. If they're pretty bad. I bead blast them and find the best looking aluminum paint and paint 'em. I get a lot of positive comments at our local car shows. (I'm glad that you guys don't live up here.)
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Old 09-11-2020, 07:15 PM   #29
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

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Here is look at the underside of a trial manifold after cleaning with marine bottom cleaner, (acid base). Heavily coated with the cleaner, let it set a couple hrs, and washed it off with fresh water. Got rid of all the oil grime. Ready to use. Now for the flip side.

Never put aluminum in Mureatic acid. It will eat it away.
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Old 09-12-2020, 10:50 AM   #30
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

russcc never use On /Off on aluminum or any other bottom cleaner. It will eat away Aluminum !!!!!!
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Old 09-13-2020, 01:28 AM   #31
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

just a thought find someone with an ultrasonic cleaner they work wonders and quick
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Old 09-13-2020, 05:45 AM   #32
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

For the pessimist's information the marine hull cleaner didn't touch the Ford Aluminum manifold. Maybe some type of aluminum but not a Ford casting in my experience.
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Old 09-13-2020, 11:58 PM   #33
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

A vapour blasted intake would look damn close to that nos one of coop's.
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Old 09-14-2020, 09:10 AM   #34
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

You could also blast the parts with glass pearls - this will give it some shine. Or get the parts tumbled, depending on the used stones you could decide what finish you get. Or do as I do and brush the parts after glasspearling - looks very much as just cast.
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Old 09-14-2020, 09:32 AM   #35
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

Try mothers mag cleaner an then steelwool sprayed with wd40 works for me
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Old 09-14-2020, 12:08 PM   #36
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Default Re: Cleaning an early aluminum intake

I have blasted aluminium and then gone over it with fine wire brush in a drill motor and that gave it a look very sim to that NOS photo above.
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