TheOman

I have a 67 3x2 intake manifold (oval port) Minor welding had to bee done on a couple of the ears that attach the mainfold to the head. The work seems OK but the manifold was bead blasted before I got it and it looks good but certainly not original.

Anyone who reads my Soapbox Editorials knows I don't give a hoot for NCRS but the manifold could look nicer and I wonder if a powder coat or whatever could be done to it? Any ideas?

Some guy in California redoes the exterior with a process call "The ASL" process but he is a dork and I would not let him resurface my driveway he is so arrogant. I have seen his work and indeed it looks great but I just will not deal with the guy.

Any recommendations?

lars

TheO' -
I know what you mean about bead blasting just not looking quite "right." It does have a bit of an "artificial" appearance to it. The powder coating is nice, but it does not have quite the right sheen and color. I've been using Eastwoods "Aluma-Blast" paint in the spray can. This stuff really looks good, and actually looks just like fresh cast aluminum. I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but the stuff is very good quality, and gives a great appearance to the manifolds. I did "kahuner's" intake with this stuff after I welded it up, and I'm sure he could send you a picture.

M.Y.Freak

There's been an ad recently in Hemmings (I think) from an outfit on the East Coast (N.J.?) that advertises reskinning/resurfacing intakes etc.
If you need contact info let me know I'll get it.
Regards, Bob L. ('63 under construction)

JohnZ

I have a source for the same proprietary aluminum "re-skinning" process that ASL used - just had ALL the aluminum on my Z/28 engine (valve covers, intake, alternator, A.I.R. pump housing, etc.) done a few months ago. Send the stuff to Jerry MacNeish ( http://www.z28camaro.com ) - he also rebuilt my original "DZ" carb and distributor and rebuilt/re-plated my original brake booster. Pic below:

Jerry MacNeish's handiwork:



Close-up of carb and intake:



Jerry also does incredible aluminum welding/machining repair that is undetectable, race-quality rebuilds of engines, Muncies, 12-bolt axles, Delco point distributors, etc. Also owns the original Dave Strickler "Old Reliable" '68 Z/28 that was the NHRA Super-Stock National Champion in 1968, restored it, and runs it in NHRA "E"-Stock every weekend - 3300# car, runs 11.00's @ 122 with the factory-stock little 302. Tell him John Hinckley sent you.

TheOman

John

WOW that really is good looking work. You da man. WOW AGAIN that is really really good looking work.

Lars: I have used Alumablast also on a manifold and it really did work very well. I think it was Aluma Blast. On the other hand I recently did another manifold and I honestly do not remember what kind of paint I used. It looked good but did not stand up well to the gas spilled by the carb that I could NOT fix no matter what I did. Carb made a great sound hitting the trash can though. Might be I am thinking about another product other than Aluma Blast when I think about the stuff that washed off with gas.

Grey Ghost

You might want to try some "high heat resistant" clear, over the aluma-blast, or heat resistant silver and clear...

1_this

JohnZ
Beautiful engine!

In a ball park figure... What am I looking to spend to do that to my 63?

Horace

JohnZ

Horace -

Depends on condition, but generally, intake re-skin is $100, valve cover re-skin is $75/pr., alternator (re-skin, complete rebuild, new dated diodes, etc.) is $145, booster (complete rebuild and re-plate) is $120, carb complete rebuild & restore is $275. All done to original specs and appearance, not to "car show-shiny" appearance. Jerry really knows his stuff, does super quality work.

Kid_Again

TheOman...'ya know, i was thinking about contacting lars on just this point but i recently decided to go with powder coating.....i did the tripower manifold, the feulie manifold, plenum and plenum cover....i'll post some pics when i get time but i really like the look (according to NCRS, they ALL came from the factory like that)....about a buckanahalf for the whole thing......the powder coating is clear coated, i talked to a bunch of locals who did this before and they've been very happy with the results but it seems like powder coating manifolds, due to the engine environment, is a real art and it took the guy a while before he was satisfied....

TheOman

Ok. I will wait and see. Friend of minehad some alumin Ford valve covers done by a shop in Atlanta. Came out really nice.

rdys67

I had done my manifold about 5 mo. ago. I also had mine bead blasted. I work in a manufacturing shop that does powder coating and plating. It is recommended to pretreat the manifold befor paint or the paint will not hold up very long. I pretreated mine with clear cromemate and skipped the paint process altogether. Looks great and has held up well.

TheOman

What is clear chromate and where does one get it? Never heard of it.

JohnZ

I don't know what NCRS source told you that intakes came originally powder-coated, but that is not the case; there was no coating of any kind on aluminum intakes - they came in normal "as-cast" finish, and were masked off during engine painting. There are lots of ways to enhance appearance and make the surface easier to maintain, but from a strictly judging perspective (if that's your goal), the standard is "original as-cast" surface. Jerry MacNeish recommends using spray brake-clean on a rag to keep "re-skinned" aluminum parts clean.

y2k4us

To Lars & Oman I have a source aluminum reconditioning in So. Ca. that produces that as cast finish without paints or coatings. I dont trust sending my '67 400 intake to some unknown shop so I hand delivered it. Found out he does work for Corvette parts dealers that advertise restoration. My e-mail is y2k4us@dellepro.com

marky mark

I had my aluminum intake done by Jerry Macneish also and was very satisfied. It looks stock.

Regards, mark :flag :chevy

Kid_Again

...sorry JohnZ...my usual sarcastic humor showing through on the powder coat comment :rolleyes:

TheOman

Gotta watch that stuff when you are from the North East ......specially Joisey you MF'er. Livin here in the genteeeeel refined South I can get in trouble with just a saccastic look on my face.

Keep Smiling

By the way, what exit of the Pawkway are ya livin near? How about them Giants? Been down the shore lately?


[Modified by TheOman, 7:45 AM 10/15/2001]

Kid_Again

...'ya know, 'ya try and teach the little folks and all you get is grief!!! :D

fwiw, i live OFFAEXIT4ODDATURNPIKE, and YEAH, i been downa' shore, matter of fact, i wasdownashore this past weekend degreasing what i could find on the frame.....'ya know, drinking martinis at 8:30am kinda' scandalizes the neighbors...they'll get over it :cheers: