Anyone here do metal polishing?

[blykins]

I've got a set of FE valve covers that need a good touch-up. 

[410bruce]

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?

[thatdarncat]

Andy Tantes, I think he may be on the forum here. I believe he’s in Columbus Ohio?

[FERoadster]

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

[jayb]

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.

[thatdarncat]

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

[FERoadster]

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

[FERoadster]

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

[blykins]

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. 



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???

[Royce]

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

[blykins]

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.

[FERoadster]

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