Miata Mailing List: November 1998, Message #23

sponsored by

Haven't done it, but I hear

First, remove oxidation
(from http://bowtieonline.com/restore/headclean.htm)
While caustic dipping is OK for cast iron, avoid its use on aluminum. As an
alternative, I've used Naval Jelly for 
Aluminum (can you still get this stuff?). It is apparently a mild etchant
(read: acid) which removes all corrosion and discoloration from aluminum.
You paint it on with an old brush and hose it off after letting it sit for a
few minutes. 
Note that any dirt or grease should be removed with a high pressure water
blast prior to using the Naval Jelly. 
Also, be careful, as the original Naval Jelly is for steel; be sure to get
the correct type. Do not apply this with the 
manifold on the engine, however, as it will surely damage the engine paint
and will likely splatter onto the fenders. 
On a 71 Cutlass that I had, the aluminum manifold (which originally had been
bead blasted prior to installation) 
would start looking kind of grungy after a period of time. About once a year
I would pull the manifold and give it 
the Naval Jelly treatment. This resulted in a brand new-looking manifold for
a fraction of the cost of another bead 
blast. In addition, I didn't need to worry about the repeated bead blastings
eroding the markings on the manifold. 
Then use some neverdull or Eastwood Nylac to preserve the shine. I used a
bead blaster (glass beads) on an 
aftermarket intake and it worked very well. It can be shined up with some
aluminum wheel polish and a dremel 
tool with a small polishing tip. Works wonders in the hard to reach areas. 

2. Polish it up
Mothers MAG & ALUMINUM POLISH works well
http://www.mothers.com/products/products.html

3. That and a lot of elbow grease.

Joe G
92 Silver

> ----------
> From: 	Pete Hodge[SMTP:phhodge@bigfoot.com]
> Reply To: 	Pete Hodge
> Sent: 	Tuesday, November 03, 1998 9:02 AM
> To: 	Multiple recipients of list
> Subject: 	Polishing Cam Cover
> 
> Does anyone know how to polish the cam and intake manifold covers?  Is it
> worth the effort, or should I just pay the piper and get a professionally
> polished one?
> 
> Pete
> '91 BRG
> 
> 
>