brian r Posted November 25, 2003 Report Share Posted November 25, 2003 While we are sort of on the subject. How do you make something that came from the factory Aluminum (as in a honda engine or hubs ) look like new? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan bechard Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Bead blast then clear is my best bet, different grits for different finishes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marky boy Posted November 26, 2003 Report Share Posted November 26, 2003 Alan is probably right , use brand new and very fine beads at a low pressure. Vapour blasting can give an even smoother finish but i dont think that it will come up as bright. Also you could bead blast them , and then polish to a high gloss. Then run over them in the same direction every time with a scotchbrite pad ,this will give you that brushed alluminium look. mark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charliechitlins Posted November 28, 2003 Report Share Posted November 28, 2003 I like glass beads. I hear walnut shells give a glossier, more original-looking finish. In the absence of a blast cabinet, mineral spirits, brake cleaner, wire brushes and elbow grease will do. Various wire brushes can be cheaply bought that will fit in a hand drill or 'dremel'. Use mineral spirits. Wear goggles. I sometimes use these on engines that aren't coming apart. Brass works best without scratching. DO NOT use glass beads on anything that is not going to come completely apart for METICULOUS rinsing and blowing out with compressed air. I don't care how well you mask and with what...glass beads get into everything and they ruin motors FAST. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmac Posted December 1, 2003 Report Share Posted December 1, 2003 Finish it off with Brasso paste and lots of elbow grease Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brucej Posted December 3, 2003 Report Share Posted December 3, 2003 What kind of preparation work has to be done before bead blasting? Do scratches have to be sanded out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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