Cleaning aluminum intake
 

I have an old BBC Weiand aluminum intake that needs serious cleaning. I'd like to get it back to the original finish as possible. Any suggestions from the members? Thanks ... Craig

soak it in a 50/50 solution of simple green and water for 24 hours. Wash with water and a brush, blow it dry with compressed air, then let it sit over night. Next take a steel bowl (or glass) and put 1 cup of lacquer thinner then spray Krylon Dull aluminum spay paint in the top of the lacquer thinner. Lightly brush the solution on the intake and let in dry. the thinner dries and the Dull Aluminum soaks into the manifold. It might take a couple of try to get it done the way you want it DO NOT Blast it.

Bill

Might check around to see if anyone local does "Vapor Blasting" AKA vapor honing. Motorcycle restoration shops have been doing this for awhile now and its gaining popularity for cars. It uses a very fine abrasive in a water slurry and does not change the texture at all.

I've also have had good luck using a Mag Wheel cleaner, use the one for non clear coated wheels.

Spray it with wheel acid then blast it with a steam cleaner when the water gets up to temp.

Vapor Hone is the way to go. It will look brand new.

Mine came out great just using carb cleaner and white cloth rags (or plain white cotton t-shirts), plus q-tips for the finer areas.