Blasting 34 manifold/heads to get that show look

[Digger]

What is the best blasting method and media to use to obtain that satin look on the intake and heads on aluminum 33-34 parts? i heard using crushed walnut media was best. I am building out my 34 3W and want that show look on these parts.

[V12Bill]

I just sandblast it and it comes out looking like new cast.

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I glass bead it and paint it with Krylon satin clear coat in a rattle can.

[34coupe]

I think the Krylon will burn off. and leave it stained , try the walnut, you want to clean the heads not leave tiny pockets ( from the sand blasting)for dirt to get into. my 2 cents

[Lawson Cox]

Glass bead it, but 86 the Krylon.

[Torchie]

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Rattle can Krylon works fine for engines. If your engine gets hot enough to burn it off your engine is running too hot.
You can also use automotive clear coat with hardner added if that is a concern.
You can also have it clear powder coated. I believe that they have a satin gloss coating as well. That would most likely be the most durable.
I have always had my aluminum stuff glass beaded. Then I just keep it polished as best I could.
Torchie.

[bluardun]

On "PEWSPLACE" blog, he talked about a place in LA that media tumbles alum. for the orig. factory finish.
Lynn Pew might pitch in with correct information. Or contact him via PEWPLACE.COM

[ken ct]

Originally Posted by Scott H in Wheaton

I glass bead it and paint it with Krylon satin clear coat in a rattle can.

Same here but just a lite coat. Too much or too heavey a coat makes it more shiney like a gloss coat. OMO ken ct. Hi Digger!. [keep it dry from the box and pressure blow it out real good] if you wet it the beads will clump up and will never come out ken ct.

[Gary-UK]

Vapour Blast.

[47Merc]

The absolute best finish you can get is what is called vapour blasting. If you can find some one in your area that has the equipment this is the best.

It is done in a cabinet like a sand blaster and it uses glass beads with high pressure air and water.

As it peens the surface of the aluminium or steel it leaves a beautiful sheen finish which stops grease marks etc for a long time.

this is some stuff I have had done and a Utube video showing the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1cwHdwDOvU

Sorry, I didn't see the post above. I took too long doing mine

[Scott H in Wheaton]

I started using the Krylon satin clear about 15 years ago when I used to do mostly classic Mustangs as a restoration shop business and I was usually working on 289 engines. The Krylon doesn't yellow or burn off, and it helps seal the pores to make future cleanup easier. I use satin clear because I don't want the shiny gloss look on cast alumium pieces.

[bluardun]

Digger. I have noticed you have very nice cars. Which leads me to suggest to contact:
J & P DEBURRING INC.
(818) 998-6079
9135 Alabama Ave, Unit "D"
Chatsworth, Ca. 91311

They restore alum. manifolds, etc. to origional OEM

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by bluardun

Digger. I have noticed you have very nice cars. Which leads me to suggest to contact:
J & P DEBURRING INC.
(818) 998-6079
9135 Alabama Ave, Unit "D"
Chatsworth, Ca. 91311

They restore alum. manifolds, etc. to origional OEM

Ditto recommendation..you type faster bluardun
This business is about two mi from my abode. What keeps the aluminum looking beautiful....is mabe a more important question than how it got that way, IMO

[jake197000]

for alumium i bead blast with glass then bead blast with aluminum beads and it looks like natural aluminum finish.

[Digger]

Ok, lots of choices here, when I get to that step I will post results. Right now I am breaking down the chassis piece by piece for 20% black powder coating, even each individual spring leaf. I hope to have the whole car done in time for Lake Tahoe. thanks again...