Best “paint” for aluminum heads?

[Digger]

Last one I did, I used Chevrolet Argent Silver, but it came out too silver looking! Go figure....photo attached.

Anyone suggest a rattle can to closely emulate the original polished aluminum finish?

[34fivewindow]

Originally Posted by Digger

Last one I did, I used Chevrolet Argent Silver, but it came out too silver looking! Go figure....photo attached.

Anyone suggest a rattle can to closely emulate the original polished aluminum finish?

John, if you want a stock aluminum looking finish, check out the silver that the Harley Davidson Dealer sells. when its dry it looks like fresh glass beaded aluminum.

[petehoovie]

Clarify - are you trying to paint aluminum heads or are you painting cast iron heads to look like aluminum?

[Digger]

Will do, I will be experimenting with a few brands. . I did a search, and many restorers recommended the Eastwood Aluma Blast, so I ordered a couple of cans to try out.

[Digger]

Painting stock 33 34 aluminum heads, not the cast iron ones.

[petehoovie]

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Originally Posted by Digger

Painting stock 33 34 aluminum heads, not the cast iron ones.

Don't understand....Why can't you just clean up the aluminum heads?

[35fordtn]

IMG_6816.JPG

Eastwood aluma blast gets my vote. These original heads on a car I am restoring have been painted in such


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[Ford Freak]

Originally Posted by 35fordtn

Attachment 408172

Eastwood aluma blast gets my vote. These original heads on a car I am restoring have been painted in such


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Me too !

[petehoovie]

My unpainted aluminum heads. A little Simple Green and some clean cloths....

[Digger]

Will try that too, just never been very good at it.

[DavidG]

Painting aluminum heads defeats the advantage of their being made of aluminum, namely superior heat dissipation.

[Kube]

Originally Posted by DavidG

Painting aluminum heads defeats the advantage of their being made of aluminum, namely superior heat dissipation.

Like you Dave, I never understood why anyone would paint aluminum heads. Defeats the purpose of better heat dissipation almost as much as highly polishing aluminum heads.

[35fordtn]

I’ve seen zero heating issues out of a car with painted heads vs not. Powder coating... sure... spray paint no (think about the radiator). Actually this way of thinking is opposite of what dart machinery , C&R radiators, and radian electronic components have stated regarding heat dissipation in aluminum


It’s the same as guys who prefer to paint pieces that were originally bare. I only like it better than bare as it holds up well to finger prints etc. Reskining aluminum is the best for cast pieces, but I am too cheap.

[Tinker]

There is a guy close to me that polishes just about anything. Works on a lot of old stoves. Reasonable prices. Maybe someone close to you?


Or a light bead blast. Walnuts or something?


I just assume that my engine will look "dirty" or not perfect every yr I drive it.


.

[countrysquire]

See if there is a vapor blasting service in your area, that's the best way to restore the original finish, in both looks and 'feel'. I do parts for people all over the country, but recommend that you use someone local to save the shipping, although aluminum heads aren't too costly to ship. Once blasted, an anti-corrosion coating like ACF-50 will keep them nice and easy to keep clean.

http://www.houstonvaporblasting.com

[Phil Gillespie]

Originally Posted by countrysquire

See if there is a vapor blasting service in your area, that's the best way to restore the original finish, in both looks and 'feel'. I do parts for people all over the country, but recommend that you use someone local to save the shipping, although aluminum heads aren't too costly to ship. Once blasted, an anti-corrosion coating like ACF-50 will keep them nice and easy to keep clean.

http://www.houstonvaporblasting.com

Will endorse the Vapor Blasting method. Had a 46 inlet manifold done and it came up great. Just like new.
Phil NZ

[DavidG]

Michael,


You would likely not know this, but back in 1932, Ford's instructions for painting radiators was to use thin paint and only paint the front of the core and the top of the tank. The reason cited in the instruction was to minimize the loss of heat dissipation.

[35fordtn]

Regardless, the original poster got some great suggestions and varying opinions. Cleaning works great, vapor honing and reskinning being the best options, and lastly paint (original posters question) all work and look well. I can guarantee a light mist of paint fogged on some flathead cylinder heads will pose zero threat to the cooling of the engine

[Digger]

Doing this for light cosmetic purposes only, not gonna take the heads off, although all those suggestions to take them off and make it right are totally viable. I will test the simple green and the Eastwood product and try to remember to report back.