[S10xGN]

Hi All,

I'm about ready to clean up my Corvette front suspension pieces. I've degreased them and now they are all "splotchy" looking, so I'd like to blast them to a uniform finish, then clear coat them. I'm thinking glass beads or walnut shells... Any ideas?

Russ

[rrmccabe]

I dont know on media. How about trying aluminum cleaner (acid) if you are just looking for a uniform finish.

Rich

[shine]

i would use glass beads in a blast cabnet to clean aluminum.

[S10xGN]

Originally Posted by shine

i would use glass beads in a blast cabnet to clean aluminum.

Thanks, I'll try it!

Russ

[302 Z28]

Yep, glass beads, but if you do not have a cabinet I have used crushed walnut shells on some Muncie cases and they looked fine. I bought a 50 pound bag of crushed walnut shells from a blasting supply house in Beaumont. I think I paid less than $20 for it.

Vince

[S10xGN]

Vince,

Does the finish look polished? My blast cabinet is almost finished and I've found glass beads, but only in a "large" size (# 8), so I'm now looking for shells...

Russ

[302 Z28]

No the finsh does not look polished, kinda like brushed aluminum, a dull finish. It is not as shiney as a sand blasted piece, but the crushed walnut shells are easier on the aluminum surface.


Vince

[S10xGN]

Let me rephrase this: If you were doing a Corvette (aluminum) front end, how would you clean it up and make it presentable?

Russ

[302 Z28]

Personally I think the crushed walnut shells would give you a natural aluminum look. I have seen Muncie cases that have been blasted with sand and although they are very clean they do not look right..too shiney IMO.

Vince

[shine]

glass beads are your best product for aluminum. next would be star blast by 3m. walnut shells deposit oil on the metal when you blast with them. contact a local composite company for a demo . you can take a piece with you and test the product in their blast cabnet. star blast is cheap.