Polishing Aluminum

[Markus]

I have begun polishing the outside of the housing of the butterfly valves. I progressed from 400 to 800, to 1500 grit wet sandpaper and finished with Mothers Mag and Aluminum Polish. It looks really code on the clean intake.

Is there a factory protective coat on this housing? Will I have rubbed it off using the sandpaper?

 

[shojuan]

Just spray with some clear coat engine paint when you're done.

 

[SuperG]

Markus, how long did that take? It would be great if you had some pics...I am really curious as to what the difference is...

 

[jthomas68]

There is no coating,but the aluminum will oxidize if it`s not cleaned often.My valve cover oxidized while sitting under a cover all winder,i need to redo it.I`d also like to see a pic,as the butterflies,much like the throttle body,are made of a very cheap casting,and are harder to polish.To get a deeper shine,try using more grits of paper,i use the following:
80,120,220,400,600,800,1000,1500,2000,then a strip of leather to remove any imperfections.
I`ve been polishing aluminum for 11 years now,and as you can see,it really pays to take your time with it.This is my own engine bay,check the reflection in the radiator cover.

<small>[ April 10, 2003, 01:09 PM: Message edited by: jthomas68 ]</small>