Valve cover insignia maintenance

[okloneranger]

HELP - Anyone got handy tips on cleaning up and keeping the aluminum insignias on 2nd Gen.valve covers clean and corrosion free?

 

[Big E]

Illustrated upgrades. Click here.
Enjoy!

 

[dave6666]

Illustrated upgrades. Click here.
Enjoy!

There was another post in that thread about a Meguiars sanding block. That link no longer worked, but I found the product and here it is. Looks like a good alternative to the home made sanding block.

http://www.meguiars.com/estore/product_list.cfm?sectionname=Professional%20(Mirror%20Glaze%20Brand)>Abrasives>Blocks&sectionID=37301

 

[okloneranger]

Thanks for the help guys-great help.

 

[Tiepilot]

I gave up on trying to keep them shined up. They are magnesium and corrode with air contact. You can sand all you want but they will return to a tarnished state.

 

[dave6666]

I gave up on trying to keep them shined up. They are magnesium and corrode with air contact. You can sand all you want but they will return to a tarnished state.

I'm in the non-poser camp that you hang with. Entertaining to watch though...

 

[whitebluevipe]

damn yankee had a detailed post on how to do this. check some of his postings.

 

[plumcrazy]

get them powdercoated

 

[dave6666]

Keep the hood closed...

 

[Newport Viper]

Before 2000 grit paper

After 2000 grit paper

 

[Edward 96GTS]

best sanding block is the wifes nail file. it is about a 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch wide. feels rubberish. i cut it into 2 inch lengths. works like a charm
ed

 

[Kenneth Krieger]

I used the little platic box that the Valve stem caps come packaged in. Just took emory cloth, stretched it over the edge and went to work. Was careful, didn't have to tape anything, and took about 20 minutes, came out beautiful.

 

[PittsburghRT]

I used Wenol polish to clean mine up. They look like new and no sanding required.

 

[propsail]

I used Wenol polish to clean mine up. They look like new and no sanding required.

I see there are different types. Which one did you use?

 

[PittsburghRT]

I see there are different types. Which one did you use?

I use the Wenol in the red can or tube.... All Purpose Metal Polish. You only use a small dab at a time on a rag. I bought a quart can a few years ago from Summit and it comes in handy to have around the house too.

 

[big-n-italian]

get them powdercoated

thats what i did. always look great.

 

[propsail]

I use the Wenol in the red can or tube.... All Purpose Metal Polish. You only use a small dab at a time on a rag. I bought a quart can a few years ago from Summit and it comes in handy to have around the house too.

Just tried this stuff, and unfortunately, it did nothing at all for improvement to the finish.

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

PROPSAIL, You would need to follow the Illustrated and get it down below the oxidation before you can keep it up with just a light polishing.

 

[Chris(NJ)]

Theres some great suggestions already in this thread, but I typically use either clearkotes metal polish or megs billet alum polish for any metal work. You can also try some wd40 when the area is still hot

 

[dave6666]

PROPSAIL, You would need to follow the Illustrated and get it down below the oxidation before you can keep it up with just a light polishing.

I'm gonna have to get after that front lawn...

Actually, with the forecast today for sunny and 65, we're taking the GTS to Car Toys to discuss "options."

Screw yard work.

 

[DAMN YANKEE]

Dave,
Nah, Saturday is your book signing in Lubbock.....

 

[Hoop]

2000 grit was a great tip. I did that with a sanding block and I used high heat clear with a q-tip to put a coat of protection on.

 

[PittsburghRT]

Just tried this stuff, and unfortunately, it did nothing at all for improvement to the finish.

It worked great on mine. I guess my valve cover text was not in bad shape.

 

[GBS]

Like Newport Viper I buffed them out using 800 to 1000 to 1500 to 2000 grit sandpaper and a sanding block. I taped the painted part as best I could using blue painters tape. After sanding I applied a couple coats of Klasse All-In-One. They look better then like new.

 

[LifeIsGood]

I wanted to give a big THANKS to DAMN YANKEE for his Guide and Photos for Valve Cover Viper Logo / Intake Ribs Refinishing. I also wanted to share some of my before and after pictures...

Materials...
wetdry 400 grit sandpaper
wetdry 600 grit sandpaper
2" blue painter's tape (masking off engine)
3M spray adhesive (adhering sandpaper to blocks)
1 1/2" x 4" sanding blocks (2)
Breakfree CLP (Cleaner/Lubricant/Protectant, applied after clean-up)

Sanding blocks...

Remove cable bracket (7/16" wrench)...

Remove two interior lower windshield cover screws and lift with painter's tape roll...

Taped left side...

Taped right side...

After sanding, both 400 and then 600 grit...

After sanding, before cleanup...

Before - left valve cover...

After - left valve cover...

Before - right valve cover...

After - right valve cover...

Before - viper close up...

After - viper close up...

Before - viper logo close up...

After - viper logo close up...

Before - manifold ribs...

After - manifold ribs...

 

[MTGTS]

I did mine as well using a small sanding block on mine as well. Let the bock do the work and don't press to hard. I was also doing while everything was wet so far a little added security. Afterwards I used some wheel wax on on all the metal to slow the oxidation process