chrome or aluminum
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 445
Likes: 2
From: Thomastown Mississippi
chrome or aluminum
Since I bought my 77 Vette in April, I've been gradually dressing the engine up. I'm now eyeing the pulleys, fan, and waterpump. This car is in good shape, but not a show car. I've seen the pulleys and waterpump in chrome or polished aluminum. Trying to decide which would be best for a weekend cruiser. I'm leaning toward polished aluminum for longevity. Any suggestions from the experts??? Also, Autozone sells a fan with what looks like brushed aluminum blades for
$49. Anyone tried one of these on their Vette? Thanks in advance.
Kenny
$49. Anyone tried one of these on their Vette? Thanks in advance.
Kenny
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
A member here, Curt, has a almost new polished short water pump and chrome SI alternator that are on his car. We're building a new motor for him with all new accessories so these slightly used parts will need a home. If you're interested I can get a price from him and get you some pictures.
Both items have low miles...maybe only 1000 miles or so.
He also has a chrome oil pan for sale but I think it's spoken for.
Both items have low miles...maybe only 1000 miles or so.
He also has a chrome oil pan for sale but I think it's spoken for.
Last edited by Durango_Boy; Jan 14, 2008 at 07:59 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Barrie Ontario
I agree, polished aluminum, I also have a 77 and it's allll done in polished aluminum...looks great! and not hard to maintain.
Good luck and have fun driving, that's what it's there for...
Domer
Good luck and have fun driving, that's what it's there for...
Domer
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,498
Likes: 206
From: Pearland Texas
St. Jude Donor '09
Weekend cruiser here!
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 183
Likes: 1
From: Philmont NY
The last time I polished my Aluminum Valve covers and Intake manifold and pulleys, My fingers were killing me for days after.Absolutely chrome is easier to polish whether its a show or weekend driver!All I need is a couple of sprays of Windex and about 10 to 15 minutes to wipe this engine down..My weekend driver!!
someone please put a polished aluminum picture up so we can all decide which looks nicer.....
My brother always said chrome wont get you home, butgman that looks nice.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,006
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From: Omaha NE
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If you have quality chrome it will hold up over time. My newest chrome is now 7-8 years old & it all looks fine. I plated my water pump pulley, had my fan powder coated in gloss black & left the alt. alone.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
It doesn't have to be all one or the other. I have some chrome pieces on my 355, including the top of the air cleaner and alternator. The intake manifold is the Edelbrock Endurashine- similar to a chrome look. The valve covers are Billet Specialties polished. The hoses are stainless steel. The fan and brackets are silver powder coated, and the exhaust manifolds were sandblasted and aluminum coated. I also used silver hi-heat Duplicolor for the air cleaner body, and caste around the master cylinder. I think it blends together well, without the total bling of all chrome.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 1
From: Woodstock GA
Its a clear coating available from Eastwood. Zoopseal works well; I have never tried Nyalic.
Chrome parts are great if you live in a non-humid climate; otherwise, they rust really easily, esp if they are cheap offshore parts (like all prepackaged chrome parts). I prefer aluminum, with some type of coating.
Chrome parts are great if you live in a non-humid climate; otherwise, they rust really easily, esp if they are cheap offshore parts (like all prepackaged chrome parts). I prefer aluminum, with some type of coating.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 303
From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '10-'11, '15, '19
Nyalic is a polimer that was developed for the space program. I have used it to coat my aluminum valve covers, intake and wheels with great results. The stuff is not cheap but it preserves the finish and saves time cleaning.
Go to http://www.nyalic.com/
In this picture, my intake, valve covers and gas line ar all coated with Nyalic.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
John
Go to http://www.nyalic.com/
In this picture, my intake, valve covers and gas line ar all coated with Nyalic.
[IMG]
[/IMG]John
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Okay, cleaning.
Chrome gives you the option of using just about whatever solvent you want for cleaning greasy fingerprints off of the surface for a nice mirror finish.
For all you guys using polished aluminum or polished stainless, what solvents can you use to clean them without harming them? I have seen a few guys ruin their valve covers by using all purpose cleaners that have citrus in them, and other such cleaners.
What's a safe cleaner for polished aluminum and polished stainless?
Chrome gives you the option of using just about whatever solvent you want for cleaning greasy fingerprints off of the surface for a nice mirror finish.
For all you guys using polished aluminum or polished stainless, what solvents can you use to clean them without harming them? I have seen a few guys ruin their valve covers by using all purpose cleaners that have citrus in them, and other such cleaners.
What's a safe cleaner for polished aluminum and polished stainless?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 31
From: Shreveport LA
LA Events Coordinator
Nyalic is a polimer that was developed for the space program. I have used it to coat my aluminum valve covers, intake and wheels with great results. The stuff is not cheap but it preserves the finish and saves time cleaning.
Go to http://www.nyalic.com/
In this picture, my intake, valve covers and gas line ar all coated with Nyalic.
John
Go to http://www.nyalic.com/
In this picture, my intake, valve covers and gas line ar all coated with Nyalic.
John
I ordered 2 spray can today for my wheels!