GTS34

What are the preferred methods of Aluminum Intake Manifold restoration (cleaning)? I believe NCRS, etc frowns on media blasting them, correct?

BarryK

your best bet is to send it to Jerry MacNeish for "reskinning". He does a great job and it will come back looking like new.

I originally planned that myself but with the budget just being too tight this year I couldn't so I glass bead blasted mine at a friends house. NCRS members about wanted to have my NCRS membership revoked for doing such a sacreligious thing to my intake but I have to say it came out looking pretty damn good I think and it didn't cost me anything but the cost of some gas to drive to my friends house.

here are pics of how it turned out after glass bead blasting it and having 40 years of being on the car and various fluid stains, etc.
http://69.253.166.197/page1/page76/page84/page84.html
it looks like brand new now

ctjackster

I understand your point to mean that, for NCRS judging purposes, media blasting may not be wise - true. It will result in something not reflective of "as delivered" condition (the "as-cast" texture is lost, etc.) With that said, if you have none such judging in your or the car's future (consider resale) then folks are out there blasting their '44461 etc aluminum intake manifolds every day, nearly every one on ebay has been balsted and misted with silver paint.

Don't know how it would judge (JohnZ can advise) but the "reskinning" mentioned by Barry (done be Jerry MacNeish - http://www.z28camaro.com/restosvcs.html ) results in a very nice-looking manifold that looks very original.

JohnZ

Incorrect surface finish on an intake manifold is about 4 points (out of 4500 for the whole car); Jerry's re-skinned manifolds get no deduction.

Tom454

IMOP...

reskinned = mediablasted + gently tumbled (probably with aluminum pellets)

Mr D.

I sent Jerry a nasty looking 69 427/435hp intake, when I got it back all I could say was WOW. Very good work indeed.

ragtopman

I sent Jerry my intake and valve covers and they look great

kellyw66

I didnt do it so do shoot me. how can I get mine back, or close to original?

MosportGreen66

MosportGreen66

Jerry redid my Z-28 intake. Looks Great!

61Rat

Jerry fixed and restored a severly damaged (busted into pieces) tri power intake for me for $400. Looks like new and runs like a champ.