Cleaning up ally rocker covers

Stu · Post by **Stu** » Fri Feb 06, 09 12:37 pm

What's the best method? Got some s/h ones that are in need of TLC, but guessing I can't just get busy with a wire brush on 'em?

the dodge · Post by **the dodge** » Fri Feb 06, 09 12:42 pm

autosolv or mothers mag are good, can be hard to get hold of thou but you will need plenty of it i had a go with a polishing mop fitted to a drill, found it better with old fashioned elbow grease (also very hard to get!!) theres probably other stuff around thou just as good

the dodge · Post by **the dodge** » Fri Feb 06, 09 12:48 pm

link to mothers mag

http://www.performancemotorcare.com/aca ... __835.html

link to autosol

http://www.autosol.de/shop-en/

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:07 pm

You could use a wire brush first Stupot, just make sure the wires are copper and not steel. A nice fine soft metal wire brush will get eh very worst off, then move onto the polishing kit. Start with a reasonably coarse polish and go all the way down to lime powder.

The big question though, is how bad are the covers mate? got a picture?

Stu · Post by **Stu** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:13 pm

As if by magic, Clivey!

Thank's, Both.

Didn't realise Autosol had got so many products! Not used it since the old tubes of semi-abrasive stuff I used to clean my bicycle bits up with as a kid!

I'd quite like to see if I can freshen up the intake a bit too. All advice welcome, chaps.

Stu · Post by **Stu** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:15 pm

Hmmm... That pic of the rocker cover looked a lot sharper before I compressed it...

I'll go get a better one in a sec.

the dodge · Post by **the dodge** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:18 pm

i used a soft brass wire brush like the type used on suede shoes - again they dont last long but do a good job

latil · Post by **latil** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:23 pm

000 grade wire wool with paraffin,wash, then autosol.

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:30 pm

If you are painting them just get them sand blasted. Same with the intake.

They will come out looking like new castings with a fine matt finish.

Stu · Post by **Stu** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:36 pm

Some good advice Gents, ta!

Some better photo's below. Nothing much wrong with them at all, just need a spruce up, I think. Close up of the pitting, if that's the right term.

Dave, wasn't really planning on painting them, but you've got me thinking now.... Must refer to my other thread and see what advice is there!

the dodge · Post by **the dodge** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:38 pm

i wouldnt paint those covers after a few days hard polishing they will look superb

Stu · Post by **Stu** » Fri Feb 06, 09 1:53 pm

That's kind of what I was thinking, Mate.

Plus, money spent on blasting isn't really an option, sad to say.

Elbow grease is free though, I guess.

Jon Benn · Post by **Jon Benn** » Fri Feb 06, 09 2:12 pm

I can bead blast them if you want

Dave-R · Post by **Dave-R** » Fri Feb 06, 09 2:43 pm

Frost do a "wrinkle finish" black paint similar to what was used on stock street Hemi and the cast Mopar Performance rocker covers.

I just paint my cast covers Halfords satin black.

If you are going to polish those covers you need a bench grinder with a polishing mop attatchment kit such as Frost also sells.

While shopping at Frost look at some of their paint finishes. Some duplicate the original finish of many parts including your intake if a couple of quid at the sand blasters is too expensive for you.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Fri Feb 06, 09 3:16 pm

I got some great Aluminium paint, comes in fine, medium and course.