Is ther some interest in the method I use to polish aluminum VC's?

[FERoadster]

After reading all the posts about Drew's method to restore Holley carbs, I thought that a DYI tutorial on restoring VC's might have some interest.

If so I'll continue a step by step process I gleaned from the Caswell Plating forum. Depending on the effort you'd want to put in it takes me between 45 min to 1 hr. for each VC. depending on the condition of the aluminum casting. More time is spent in the 100 to 150 grit range depending on the flaws. Final grit used is 800 to possibly 1500.

Here are some photo's of the 351C VC's before and after 800 grit sanding. Also a photo of the polisher I built.

FERoadster

[RustyCrankshaft]

That polisher stand is stout!

Do you just use those 2 buffs? I always liked a lightweight flannel buff for my final finishing pass before the hand cleanup when doing Al or Stainless.

[jayb]

Please continue Richard, I'd like to see how you do this - Jay

[Drew Pojedinec]

Yeah man......  that is what this place is about, learning and helping others.  It makes us all better people.

[The Real McCoy]

Richard, remember you said i would regret selling you that single 428 CJ valve cover after you cleaned it up. I would definitely like to understand your process. I have a set of 429 CJ valve covers that I would like to try it on.

[FERoadster]

Daryll: you are the reason I decided to do this thread.
Your CJ valve cover is now in the same condition as the 351C.  But I'm holding that one as a progression post update.

Richard >>> FERoadster

[FERoadster]

Here are the VC's I'll be working on. I bought 5 CJ covers that were for some reason modified with breather holes in the sides and the top twist in breather hole opening welded closed.  The one I bought from Darryl is the 2nd from the left and has been sanded to 600 grit. The one on the far left is to 1500 grit. The VC on the right as is bought. Third from the left is one of the modified (almost ruined) that I removed the wire loom tab and made fins to  have a finished look. Normally I blast the finned area and polish the tops since sanding and polishing between them  would round the fins over.

Next post I'll assemble all the sanders and wire wheels and post a picture. 

Richard