As a person who has done professional polishing, no way I would have started them for $400. As far as the markings go, how would a polisher, who may not be a car person, have any clue what the markings mean. In order to get a polished finish the parts must be smooth, trying to leave a small raised area would look like ass. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I'm not a polisher, but being Scottish I'd have said if you want me to leave the letters it will cost $XX.XX more.
Thanks for every one chiming in on this. At this point, I'm just letting it go, the polish job is very good. If I choose to be an ass and name the shop, there would be more understanding in regards to the "knowledge of car parts" issue, but I do not want to call out someone in public, as I don't think there is any reason too. I just wanted thoughts from the crowd on what to do for next time. I'll post up some pics when the engine is all back together. Dadn5kids
funny. now let's start the same thread only rather than Ford heads it was you vintage "thompson" Pontiac valve covers for your dragster. motor does look good.
Heads look great, you asked for polished and you got them back polished, job done.. since your talking details, I would have more of an issue with the fella that chopped the section of the firewall out and dumped that ugly battery there . In my view you cant call folk out on fine details when other areas of the build dont adhere to the same level of detail.
As far as the polisher is concerned he is not a restorer. Most would not want the numbers as they are no longer stock and are customized.
I've had several sets of flathead aluminium heads polished in the past. I did specify that all letters and markings were to be preserved. The all came out beautiful. I can't remember what it cost,but that was secondary to me. I like the markings intact as they look less "billety". That being said,if you can't live with them I'll take them off your hands for whatever you have in them.