Aluminum intake manifold restoration/reconditioning

[68camaroz28]

It does look better the last two engine pics as it did seem too silvery and shiny looking for what IMO it should look like. Still a nice step up from what it did look like I'm sure.

[1967Z28]

Too silvery and shiny in my opinion as well. The repro valve covers are very evident with the wavy ends on them.

[cheveslakr]

I've cleaned several that are fairly rare and never painted them or blasted them. Mostly just strong detergents and gray scotchbrite then steel wool. The steel wool will provide a bit of sheen, so use with caution. They take on the look more akin to the alum. thermostat housings, more of a dull grey, vs. the silvery look. That, to me anyway, is accurate. No protectant on the eddy, boeshield on the winters manifold.

[downunder1]

Originally Posted by McCune

Looks similar to may process.

Can I ask please what process you used?

Thanks,
John

[CamarosRus]

Other than post #24, NOBODY gives McCune props for his EXCELLENT Restoration of his Manifold. Mr McCune ownes a company that does professional/commercial restoration of Alumnum Auto Parts (as does Mr Jackson) ..........Correct me Im wront but the sand casted manifold in post #9 was restored by a shot blasting machine using clean metal shot that has not been contamintaed doing cast iron/steel parts.......
From what little knowledge I have, I believe aluminum sand castings were metal shot blasted by the OEM to remove excess sand and slag.........

Here are a few pics of my Muncie Case (Sand Cast) and Tailhousing/Side Cover (Die Cast)...........

I'm currently concerned with what/how best to "coat" these parts to prevent any corrosion forming........There are a variety of sprays, or thin film coating from Everbrite or CERAKOTE