(I like cleaning)
Polishing Plenum & Runners.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 0
From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Polishing Plenum & Runners.
So i want to polish the plenum and the intake runners on my L98. Years back when i first had the vette i polished the distributor cover and the bracket between the smog pump and the alternator. I did these by hand and they were a real PITA. Eventually all of these are going to be powder coated. So i guess i have alot of questions.
1. Whats the best method when doing this by hand?
2. What grit should I start with and work up to?
3. How can i have it professionally done? Cost?
4. If i powedercoat as is, will the finish look grainy or smooth?
If you guys have any pics of polished and powdercoated plenum and runners i would like to see them. (give me a good idea of what to expect and serve as a swift kick to the butt to get me started)
Thanks
1. Whats the best method when doing this by hand?
2. What grit should I start with and work up to?
3. How can i have it professionally done? Cost?
4. If i powedercoat as is, will the finish look grainy or smooth?
If you guys have any pics of polished and powdercoated plenum and runners i would like to see them. (give me a good idea of what to expect and serve as a swift kick to the butt to get me started)
Thanks
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
Here's mine before and after
I used several grades of sand paper, on an air file then jewelers rouge on a wheel.
The valve covers came out beautiful but they will tanish almost over night. I need to find a way to seal them.
I used several grades of sand paper, on an air file then jewelers rouge on a wheel.
The valve covers came out beautiful but they will tanish almost over night. I need to find a way to seal them.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,303
Likes: 216
From: Sussex,Wi
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Winner - Unmodified
Originally Posted by jonrbrt
Here's mine before and after
The valve covers came out beautiful but they will tanish almost over night. I need to find a way to seal them.
The valve covers came out beautiful but they will tanish almost over night. I need to find a way to seal them.
I'll drop mine off tomorrow.
What you say your address was???
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland Tennessee
This Guy will do exchange and you get this..
For more information and pictures these guys can do it all, and basically anything aluminum too or more.
Here is a link to find out more:http://www.fastcoolcars.com/TPI-polished-and-more.htm
Last edited by RonVette2; Sep 12, 2006 at 08:15 PM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
On ebay, exchange Plenum, runners, dist cvr, polished w/exchange: $289.00, he's outa seattle wa... his names rick, same as the above link, but check out the ebay first, he runs some good deals.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,884
Likes: 3
From: Magnolia Mississippi
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07
this has worked for me, if you don't touch them with your, by now, very greasy hands, gloves-cotton, and coat them with a good car wax, then buff, they will last quite a while before they start to tarnish, or you can buy the expensive zoop sealer and never have to do it again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,858
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria CA
http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox...m/pol-plen.htm
I outsourced the job. Way too much time and effort consumed doing it yourself in my opinion. And you won't get it as shinny a pro would.
These were taken in the shade. I use Mothers aluminum polish with a microfiber cloth to upkeep the shine.
I outsourced the job. Way too much time and effort consumed doing it yourself in my opinion. And you won't get it as shinny a pro would.
These were taken in the shade. I use Mothers aluminum polish with a microfiber cloth to upkeep the shine.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 7,698
Likes: 0
From: Just the Tip... Just to see how it feels...
Those do look nice! When i get them polished I will most likely powdercoat 'em white or clear, so im not too concerned with tarnish. Man I am about ready to go home sick and tear into that engine. These pics look reeeeal slick!
Racer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 1
From: Punta Gorda Florida
Why must people touch shiny things!?! I just started my Polishing escaped... I got up to go get something and my dad comes in and was drooling over the work so far "wow this is cool" ... "why are you touching the shiny part???" So i showed him the Above pictures and He's all for the mod. I just can't get this haze to rub out....any tips?
I just can't get this haze to rub out....any tips?