Engine Detail
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Engine Detail
Hello everyone. I hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
I am starting the process of detailing my engine and engine bay now that the colder weather is setting in for the winter. I have a question that I would appreciate some input. The aluminum peices on the engine and around the engine bay have a dull and maybe oxidized look. They really aren't dirty, but instead just dull. Is there a product or process that will liven these peices up a little? Let the suggestions fly! BTW...here is a pic:
I am starting the process of detailing my engine and engine bay now that the colder weather is setting in for the winter. I have a question that I would appreciate some input. The aluminum peices on the engine and around the engine bay have a dull and maybe oxidized look. They really aren't dirty, but instead just dull. Is there a product or process that will liven these peices up a little? Let the suggestions fly! BTW...here is a pic:
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 16
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
For your aluminum pieces and control arms you can use a chrome polish and rags. For the intake, alt, and a/c, you can use chrome polish with a steel brush. This is what I used to get these components back to the "new" look. And for the exhaust manifolds, Mid America sells a chrome brush on paint that makes them look brand new.
Good Luck
Rik
http://photobucket.com/albums/y126/Riks40th/
Good Luck
Rik
http://photobucket.com/albums/y126/Riks40th/
Last edited by Riks40th; Nov 27, 2005 at 03:44 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 982
Likes: 0
From: IN
Originally Posted by Riks40th
For your aluminum pieces and control arms you can use a chrome polish and rags. For the intake, alt, and a/c, you can use chrome polish with a steel brush. This is what I used to get these components back to the "new" look. And for the exhaust manifolds, Mid America sells a chrome brush on paint that makes them look brand new.
Good Luck
Rik
http://photobucket.com/albums/y126/Riks40th/
Good Luck
Rik
http://photobucket.com/albums/y126/Riks40th/
Thanks for the input!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 16
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
Thanks, that is one of the products I used also. I used another but I can't think of the name of that one.
Rik
Rik
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 16
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
Originally Posted by obnoxus
Can they handle pressure washing?
Any parts that need to be avoided?
Any parts that need to be avoided?
Rik
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by Riks40th
You do not want to pressure wash a LT1, or any engine compartment for that matter. On an LT1 you are sure to fry your opti spark. And there are to many other electric componants to damage also. Best way to clean an engine compartment is to just start wiping, scrubbing down. This is a constant subject here. JMO
Rik
Rik
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 658
Likes: 12
From: Clearwater Fl
Can it handle degreaser and a hose, or no water at all?
The 94 I just picked up is a VERY CLEAN daily driver, but it has road grim in the engine compartment. This could borderline be a show car,,,but has sand on the plenum, etc. And like you said,I am leary to do anything unless I know its ok
The 94 I just picked up is a VERY CLEAN daily driver, but it has road grim in the engine compartment. This could borderline be a show car,,,but has sand on the plenum, etc. And like you said,I am leary to do anything unless I know its ok
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,848
Likes: 16
From: St. Louis, Mo......... 1993 Torch Red w/White Interior...2006-07 Bloomington Gold 2005-ZR1/C4 Gathering, 2001-2012 Funfest
No, don't even use a hose around the engine compartment. Not worth getting the opti wet. Just wipe down what you want clean.
Rik
Rik
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by rick96cevette
Wow! Very nice! How do you like the Taylor ignition wires? I just ordered some.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,841
Likes: 19
From: CLT, North Carolina
The Truth About Restoring Aluminum Appearance
Once aluminum has oxidized on the surface there is no chemical that will restore the original factory luster. Parts that have a machined finish will be extremely difficult if not impossible to restore the original appearance. You do have a couple of choices however, to make some aluminum parts look better. Parts that are cast can be shot peened by a skilled operator in a shot peen machine using low pressure to restore the original factory cast appearance. You can also polish the surface of other parts with a metal polish but you will get a brilliant shine. Some folks like this look and polish everything but the result is a shiny appearance that is not original.
Regards, Greg
Regards, Greg
