Aluminum/block cleaning

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01-31-2011, 09:58 AM

#11

Cyanide Jello

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

I completely forgot about using scotchbrite pads... They have different "grits" so to speak...

I'm a fan of purple power...

I wasn't planning on painting it. Hence my above post stating I'd like the block/head/alloy junk have some sort of luster...

Edit: Should stand out in a flat black bay.

01-31-2011, 10:09 AM

#12

SCREECHO

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

with just a wire wheel, maybe try using some steel wool vs sandpaper then.

steel wool, or that steel brustle scrubber they sell for hand washing dishes. yep scotch pads as well.

01-31-2011, 10:20 AM

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Fabrik8

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

Don't use a wire brush unless you're going to paint it (and cover up all the scratches). You can clean it just as well with nylon bristle brushes without scratching the living shit out of it.

01-31-2011, 10:26 AM

#14

SCREECHO

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

why is that?
edit: nevermind I was trying to edit for more clarification but I kept answering my own question.

Last edited by SCREECHO; 01-31-2011 at 10:31 AM.

01-31-2011, 10:32 AM

#15

Fabrik8

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCREECHO

why is that?
in reference to not using a wire brush. its a engine block not a piece of clay.

Because it looks like shit, and it's a lot harder to clean later if it's covered in scratches from using a wire brush on soft aluminum.

01-31-2011, 10:36 AM

#16

TiredToyotaDrvr

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

Why are you against having it bead blasted/hot tanked?? You'll end up with a beautiful, 100% consistent finish...

01-31-2011, 06:48 PM

#17

Laserjock

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

btw, oxidation is a continuous process

01-31-2011, 07:16 PM

#18

TiredToyotaDrvr

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laserjock

btw, oxidation is a continuous process

Good point. Make sure to paint/seal the fresh surfaces when you're done to preserve all your hard work...

01-31-2011, 08:33 PM

#19

Cyanide Jello

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Re: Aluminum/block cleaning

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fabrik8

Don't use a wire brush unless you're going to paint it (and cover up all the scratches). You can clean it just as well with nylon bristle brushes without scratching the living shit out of it.

What about using a brass brush or similar soft metal bristle brush?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiredToyotaDrvr

Why are you against having it bead blasted/hot tanked?? You'll end up with a beautiful, 100% consistent finish...

I'm not against it. I don't really have the funding plus I'd rather do it myself...