Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

[Brad M.]

I was wondering what the best ways to get my aluminum valve covers to look as new without them looking overly polished? Anyone have recommendations?

[Kent K.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

As many others have recommended, Jerry McNeish with Camaro Hi-Performance is the place to restore your aluminum valve covers. His web site is

http://www.z28camaro.com/restosvcs.html

Regards, Kent

[John H.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

Jerry has done many sets for me - here's what they look like when you get them back (lo-script '57 cover).

[Jim S.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

My Valve covers and intake were done by Jerry and I could not be more pleased. Besides that they were sent back to me within a week and I never requested a "rush job". First rate Company !

Jim

[Alan S.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

How does that finish hold-up, does it stay that nice even, matte look? Also, can you clean the covers if they get stained? The finish certainly does look good in John's photo.
Regards,
Alan

[Jim S.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

That I can not answer since I have not installed them yet .

I am told however that his process does allow for easier cleaning and stain removal.

Jim

[Tyler T.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

I was wondering what the best ways to get my aluminum valve covers to look as new without them looking overly polished? Anyone have recommendations?

I have seen some done using the rattle can grey high temp caliper paint that passed judging. They were glass beaded first.

Tyler

[Rick S.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

Had my covers done by Jerry about three years ago and they are starting to show their age once was again.

[Randy R.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

There is an old post that describes the how to place a very thin coat of paint on the valve covers to hide stains. The procedure is to pour a little lacquor thinner in a cup and spray a bit of Krylon dull aluminum into the lacquor thinner. You then dip an acid brush into the mixture and apply the thinned paint to the valve cover. I don't remember the author. I will try to find the article.

Randy

[Joel F.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

I don't remember the author. I will try to find the article.

The article was by Bill Halbert. Is it OK to paste the text here or is that some sort of violation of copyright?

I think I could paraphrase it if needed.

[Brad M.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

I also saw after I made this post a thread from a while back in which Jack Humphrey indicated that naval jelly for ALUMINUM could be used to remove the oxidation from these. I left a message from Jerry to see what he charges, but may try the naval jelly first and see how it goes.

[Alan S.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

Brad,
I know someone who just had a set done and was pleased with the appearance and $$$ ... $95. Does that agree with the quote you receive?
Regards,
Alan

[David D.]

Re: Alum valve covers - best ways to restore "finish"?

Any one here ever tried Soda Blasting or has heard/seen results?

Supposedly, results on aluminum parts are very good, and don't leave signs of bead blast with other medium.

Thanks