FE Power Forums
FE Power Forums => Non-FE Discussion Forum => Topic started by: blykins on February 24, 2021, 05:50:12 PM
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I've got a set of FE valve covers that need a good touch-up.
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I used to be very proficient at it, Brent. Worked in a chrome plating shop as a metal polisher and bumper straightener from 1985-2000. I do not miss it at all. lol. Don't have the machinery to do it correctly either.
That was some of the most unforgiving, hard, dirty work I have ever done. Did I say I don't miss it? :D
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Andy Tantes, I think he may be on the forum here. I believe he’s in Columbus Ohio?
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I've got all the tools and compounds. Polish a lot of my own. Can't bring myself to pay someone to do mine.
The only thing I don't like is the space between the fins but can do them.
Post a picture and I'll give you my opinion. Andy Tants is one of the best in the VC business and he is in Ohio.
Richard >>> FERoadster
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Andy hasn't logged in for several years, but I think he is still doing polishing. His email is (or used to be) valvecovers@live.com. He did a couple SOHC sets for me a while back, good work and reasonably priced.
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Andy posts his polishing business on Facebook periodically, and as it happens he just posted tonight - he listed his email address as valvecover@hotmail.com
(https://i.postimg.cc/XvJG1FqG/24-BD5-C4-C-8277-483-E-8858-AE4-ACFFA5-EA4.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5Xh26Xwb)
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That's The same issue I have with Finned and recessed lettered aluminum VC's. Time and intricate polishing in the depressions are an issue. I normally blast the finned areas then sand everything from 320 grit (or less to get it smooth) thru at least 1000 grit then polish. Already polished VC's, I normally start with 400 to see how flat the sides are. That shows me how much effort was done with the prior polish.
Just my method but I have good results.
Here is a picture of some trashed Cal Custom VC's for a 351 Cleveland I saved from the scrap pile
FERoadster
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Brent: I took some pictures of the new Holley/MT clone VC's and will post them tomorrow.
They may have a factory polish that needs to be cleaned up. But I already have 5 pair of MT's and don't like how common they are so looking for more obscure FE VC's.
Richard >>> FERoadster
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Brent: I took some pictures of the new Holley/MT clone VC's and will post them tomorrow.
They may have a factory polish that needs to be cleaned up. But I already have 5 pair of MT's and don't like how common they are so looking for more obscure FE VC's.
Richard >>> FERoadster
I have 3 pair myself.
I'm using a set for my 352 and just can't get a good handle on what finish I want. As of right now, I have a pair on there that have been glass beaded and painted, but my heart isn't sold on them.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50980192668_d71bd72a56_z.jpg)
To be honest, I think instead of polishing, I'd like to go with a natural sand cast look, but I don't know how to get there from here. Some kind of etching agent???
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Brent I have had good luck getting a nice cast finish on aluminum buy running them through a shot blaster at the local machine shop.. It makes manifolds look like new
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Brent I have had good luck getting a nice cast finish on aluminum buy running them through a shot blaster at the local machine shop.. It makes manifolds look like new
Thanks Royce, I'll keep that in mind.
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Also look at CountrySquire's vapor blasting it produces a finish very close to factory.
I sent him a set of CJ covers he used for testing and they are nice. He's posted a thread here, quite sure it's in the vendor classifieds section.
Richard