Does anyone out there have a "secret" way to "brighten up" my Edelbrock heads? Maybe I should leave them alone since the car is kinda ratty??? Thanks
Well, you can start by taking that goofy beer can off the coil. Other than that, just some chrome acorns on the head bolts, and polsihed water necks.
Get some of that engine cleaner that comes in a spray can. Soak it down good let it set a bit and hose it off. Bead blasting does wonders for them also. But you have to remove them from the engine for that. I do know a way to really brighten them but it involves mag wheel cleaner. eagle brand for non coated wheels. It is a mild acid and you will likely screw up a bunch of other stuff with it so I wouldn't suggest it for your flatty unless you want to remove or mask off a bunch of other stuff. But if you're into it that stuff really cleans up aluminum. You would want to pull your wiring back out of the way ot as in the case of your plug wires you would just remove them completely. Tape off your engine block where the cleaner might run down, cover your dizzy with a good plastic bag, remove the genny. Stuff like that. But it will make them almost white. Anyway engine cleaner will do you a pretty good job. You could even go as far as to take a good stiff brush to them befire you hose it off. yea i know way too much information.
De-"Rat" the car and the heads. Win-win. There is a shop down here with vibratory polishers(like a big rock tumbler) the heads would fit in, I can get his number.
flatheads are junk. I have a nice 307 SBC I will trade straight across. I'll even throw in some CHROME valve covers.
Thanks for the "off topic", rude input. As for the acorn nut covers, they don't make the right the size for my head bolts.
Nope...actually, I appreciate your ideas. Like you implied, it's really not so important to me that I want to remove the heads. I haven't even tried any engine cleaner yet.....I'll do that. Thanks
They really don't look dirty in the pictures, they look like rough castings. Aside from a cleaning if you want some shine your going to have to smooth and buff them. It would be pretty easy to polish just the top of the fins on the engine though.
they make em for mine.... I use brake cleaner and a rag to keep mine spiffy, if I get a spot that's really nasty maybe a tooth brush to clean it.
Eagle One Mag Etching Cleaner-My secret weapon on aluminum intakes and heads. It really brightens things up.
I've used a polishing wheel that's similar to a Scotchbrite wheel (very mutch the same consistency as a stack of Scotch maroon hand pads). It comes in a cylindrical shape 3" in diameter by 2.5" with a 1/4" shank. Get all the wires out of the way, make sure the carbs are sealed, and start in. It'll brighten them up (but not down between the fins) and it'll last thru a couple of rain showers. Pray tell, what kind of head bolts are you using that you can't find acorn covers for? And when are going to fix that upper radiator hose to eliminate the kink?
Yeah got to love those sheep out there dont you?.".one of us, one of us"..Thats all the world of rodding needs is another kragen motor..So boring you would bring a tear to a glass eye.
Well, the engine rebuilder used 5/8" bolts and the only ones I have seen are 9/16" for the manifold and 11/16" for head "nuts". If you know a source, I'd really like to have some. Thanks for the thought on brake cleaner...something else to try.
2 seconds on a google search http://www.thehotrodcompany.com/shopnow/show_item.asp?product_id=10022ea
Try your local truck stop. They usually carry all sizes. You will find them next to the chrome naked lady mudflaps.
Now you've gone and embarassed me. And I thought I had looked everywhere. You're a stand up guy after all.
X2 on the scotchbrite...if it's aluminum that's the best way to polish it. I've done heads plaques and airplane props this way.
the fact that they're an alliance vendor too is just the icing on the cake aint it google, making stupid people feel smart since 1998
What you need to do is take them off and sand with 400 grit sandpaper. They'll be a lot smoother and you can keep them cleaner that way. Or just go ahead a polish them.
All I had seen was 11/16" and 9/16" up until now, but revkev6<SCRIPT type=text/javascript> vbmenu_register("postmenu_5411188", true); </SCRIPT> has pointed me in the right direction. Good observation...yep, the upper hoses are a problem (although that's an old pic and they're a bit better now). I've tried hoses with springs inside, but no cigar. They kinked worse than these. What I would like to have is some "pre-formed" hoses that would be a perfect fit, but that seems impossible. I presently have a pipefitter friend who is working on some of copper ones (upper and lower).
I used a $4.00 pac of small wire brushes for a Dremel tool from Harbor Freight. It has a few different sizes and shapes in the pac. I have an Offy intake that had the dull grey finish. I used the brushes to take the grey dull off and then with light pressure put a shine on it. The ruff surface is still there but it has a nice shine and not the dull grey.
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