I have an aluminum intake manifold in the raw and it needs to be polished to look good. What is the best way to do this? Is it easier to have this done by someone who is experienced in doing this kind of work and if so who might I contact here in the Pacific Northwest? Information would be appreciated, Please respond to Wes Jones and my direct e-mail address is: lesterwa58@yahoo.com
If looking for a show polish in the valleys and such, hire it out, it is a LOT of work. If just doing the runner tops, do it yourself.
It is possible to do it yourself. I've done several motorcycle wheels and a car intake. Be prepared to sand until your fingers bleed and then sand some more. If all I had was time and no money I would do it myself, if more money than time, take to someone who does it. Of course there's always the satisfaction of being able to say "I did that." Even if it's not as "show quality" as the experts.
like so many jobs the toolage is the answer. you'll need air, and several air tools . die grinders with random sanding disc. I've used 4" grinders w/ flap sanders as well as drills w/ an ***ortment of sanders. you should finish with an ***ortment of buffing compounds. only other thing i can think of is....TIME
In a time when people are accustomed to quick and easy, spray on wipe off; no one has come up with an easy way to do show grade polishing & buffing of metal. And the better you want it to look, the more work it is.
Try first to polish a small part . You just need sand paper , time and elbow grease . Then you can find compound and fabric buffer about anywhere . When you have finished a small part , consider polishing by hand a part like an intake It will take days or weeks , but it s possible .
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