CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: pjbizjak on October 21, 2011, 11:27:26 PM

Title: Sand blast medium
Post by: pjbizjak on October 21, 2011, 11:27:26 PM

What is the best sand blasting medium for a aluminum intake manifold(z/28 3917610)?

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: 1968 Z28 on October 22, 2011, 01:10:54 AM

I think that you will find that the quality restoration guys do not blast the aluminum intakes....they tumble them.

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: JohnZ on October 22, 2011, 03:26:46 PM

Sand blasting will permanently ruin the original surface finish - send it to Jerry MacNeish and have him do it right.

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: william on October 22, 2011, 05:07:37 PM

Sandblasting is a messy, nasty, highly abrasive process that will etch surfaces and wear away details like casting numbers.

After 36 years of this hobby there are very few automotive parts I might sandblast during a restoration.

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: sd1968z28 on October 25, 2011, 04:43:55 PM

plasic media does a very good job of cleaning aluminum.  we do quite a few look like new when done without material removal.

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: 68camaroz28 on October 26, 2011, 12:01:24 AM

John is correct in the comment "send it to Jerry"!  I have used fine glass bead at 15-20 PSI on some small alum parts and it did a very nice job without changing the texture but again they were small in nature. And with that pressure it is a slow operation. You might be surprised as the cost for Jerry to complete his magic is inexpensive IMHO. He did our 610 intake, trans cases, etc., and everything looks NEW.....

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: 69 4 Speed on October 26, 2011, 10:11:49 PM

If it'not a factory aluminum manifold, just plug up the threaded heater fitting and turn down the pressure and use sand. I just did an old Holly manifold and it turned out great.

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: GI JOE on October 27, 2011, 04:35:01 AM

I discovered a method that works pretty well and keeps the factory finish and patina.  I first used Dawn liquid dish soap and a brush...water pressure and that cleans most of the oils off, then I used my wife's Tied powder detergent with a stiff scrub brush.  It came out looking brand new!  Good luck.  GI JOE

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: lakeholme on October 28, 2011, 04:46:04 PM

Joe, how long does that still look good?

Title: Re: Sand blast medium
Post by: GI JOE on October 28, 2011, 10:08:57 PM

So far mine are still looking day one original and clean but I have not had my cars out on the road day in and out so I am not sure if it will still look new after lots of street duty.  What I found is a cleaning method that cleans the road grim and deep stains off, bringing the case back to a clean day one look, preserves the natural finish and IMHO looks great. IF I had to settle for a media blast I would invest in the soda blast and or soft shell over glass.... but first I would try every cleaning method available, degreasers, ect... the Tied cleans deep and thorough but it does require you to scrub it in.    JOE