Would you sand blast these parts or use some other cleaning method? Some have alot of corrosion.

Susupension/Steering parts.
Differential/Drive Shaft
Aluminum Manifold, Manual Tranny.

What media would you use? How about medium glass bead? (Siphon feed only)

 

If you are saying "bead blast", I would say:

Susupension/Steering parts (Yes. Be careful to not get media in lube parts)
Differential/Drive Shaft (Yes. Be careful to not get media in lube parts)
Aluminum Manifold, Manual Tranny. (No. Blasting permanently alters part)

"Sand blasting" implies pressure fed with high pressure and coarse media. Much more aggressive than bead blasting. Medium beads sound fine.


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 10:55 AM 3/21/2002]


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 10:57 AM 3/21/2002]

 

Thanks. I'm off to get some glass beads today from Graingers after work.

 

Six, note that after you bead blast your drive/half shafts, you will need to lightly wire wheel them and use some steel wool or progressively finer sand paper lengthwise on the shafts to remove the matte patina that bead blasting leaves behind. Otherwise, your shafts will have a decidedly poor restoration look to them. After the u-joints are installed, I would clean the shafts up good with lacquer thinner and (eeewwwwww!) clear coat them. Unless you get the satin clear, you will need to apply it in dry coats; if you let it get wet, it will dry glossy. Then, while it's drying, 1" high letters will float to the top and spell out "C-L-E-A-R-C-O-A-T". :D

I would have the aluminum manifold restored professionally by that Camaro guy that JohnZ likes. Since the transmission housing is on the underside of the car, and almost impossible to see, I believe I would try to restore the original appearance by giving it a good scrub with lacquer thinner using a stiff fiber or plastic brush (expect the plastic to either melt or be permanently deformed).

If the transmission is apart (or check to make sure no leaks to the inside), and the housing doesn't look good after thorough cleaning, you might try a dilute phosphoric acid wash (start weak and work your way up). Rinse thoroughly afterward, clean with lacquer thinner and (here's that word again) clearcoat. That worked on my bell housing.


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 12:55 PM 3/21/2002]


[Modified by Chuck Sangerhausen, 12:59 PM 3/21/2002]

 

Thanks for the tips.

I don't have the original manifold, so I think I might just bead it anyway just to get it clean.

Initially I thought my tranny might be leaking because the bellhousing was oily inside but JohnZ indicated that there is no seal on the front by design so I'm going to finish cleaning it up and try giving it a coat of clear.