wbat's the best way to polish 73 L-82 Valve Covers

[MLTexas]

what's the best way to polish 73 L-82 Valve Covers

Grrrr... What's

Hi Guys! What the best way to polish 73 L-82 Valve Covers? I have tried all the normal chrome/aluminum stuff, but I just can't get the oxidation (?) spots off.

Any ideas?

thanks,

Matt

 

[ratdog]

2 choices, buy a buffing wheel for metal polishing from TIP, or take it to a chrome shop or metal polishing shop and have it done professionally. (If that is the only 2 pieces you need done, the chrome shop is your cheaper route!!)

 

[Tom73]

What I did for mine was to use an alumn wheel cleaner and then scrub it with a Scotch Brite pad. Turned out very nice and looks very original.

tom...

 

[MidShark]

Matt- you definately have to use an aluminum cleaner first. This will "etch" the alum. surface. Don't leave it on any longer than the instructions say, though, it is acid! Then just polish by hand with Mothers or Eagle One. As soon as you get done polishing them, polish them again! Gives them a nicely polished look. For less of a shine, try Tom's method, or for more, go with ratdog's route.
Dick

 

[Jack]

I seldom recommend Harbor Freight Tools ... but they do have decent quality stacked-cotton buff wheels & rouge ... ideal for this and quite inexpensive. I do not recommend using a wheel cleaner or other acids, caustics or corrosive chems because they can migrate deep into the aluminum pores & be difficult to wash out & continue leaching back out for a long time ... not always but it does happen. You'll need to mask or remove the round decals. After removing the rubber grommets, I recommend first cleaning with good old diesel or kerosene ... 600 grit wet (w/kero) sandpaper for the nicks & deeper scratches ... then use some scotchbrite pads. Then use the cotton pads & rouge ... attach the pads to your bench grinder or chuck them into a good 110volt drill motor. Wear safety glasses ... the rouge flies ... & has a delicate but soapy taste. With the buff pads & rouge you'll get a finish that's almost as shiney as chrome ... but with a much richer lustre. Do Not clear-coat. Periodically freshen-up w/ Mothers.
JACK:gap

 

[MLTexas]

Thanks guys! Great info.