Dan H.

Taking the top end apart to have the heads repaired. Whats the best way to clean up an original aluminum manifold?

I tried the search because I figured this has been covered a million times, but I didn't find anything........

cv67

soda blasting does a great job

having it tumbled will make it look like new.
beadblasting/sandblasting can dull/pit it if not done right.

540 vette

Get the spray cleaner for cast aluminum wheels. It will make it look brand new.

Solid LT1

Eagle1 mag wheel cleaner and a brass brush, lots of elbow grease...........

billla

I really don't like using any type of blasting media - it tends to change the surface characteristics and dull the numbers and the Winters snowflake.

I use Alumiprep 33 - this stuff is nasty; read and comply with the MSDS.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalo.../alumiprep.php

Shark Racer

Both great advice. Even using the wheel cleaner you'll wanna make sure to use gloves. The Eagle 1 mag cleaner has phosphoric, sulfuric, and muriatic acid in it if I remember right.

If it's an original LT-1 intake, bead blasting can very well ruin the finish and if you're going for an NCRS resto you'll lose points.

Alan 71

Hi Dan,
If you really want to be good to your intake you may want to consider sending it to Jerry MacNeish the Camaro guy who restores aluminum parts like intakes, valve covers, and surge tanks.
Regards,
Alan