Polished Aluminum Valve Covers

[73pony]

Has anyone tried or have experience trying to clear coat or have a clear powder coat applied to polished aluminum valve covers? I like the look of the covers I ordered but am concerned about trying to keep them looking nice under the hood.

 

[LCB1]

I'm going to do the same, interested to see any ideas.

 

[rocket366]

These polished covers had hard water spots that would not polish out.

I'm not a fan of polished aluminum from that experience and looking forward

to clear coat options.

Paul

 

[TommyK]

http://www.sharkhide.com/

I haven't used their products so can't comment on effectiveness.

 

[73pony]

Well heck they even use a shot of a '73 in part of their advertising.

 

[sdstang]

There's a product called shine seal. You can buy it at Summit Racing. There's also videos out there. I don't know how it holds up the heat but you can call the manufacturer and ask

 

[Boss1Ray]

There's a product called shine seal. You can buy it at Summit Racing. There's also videos out there. I don't know how it holds up the heat but you can call the manufacturer and ask

Here is that video link: BTW this is not an endorsement by me - just thought I'd provide the link...




Ray

 

[73pony]

Wow. Thanks for the suggestions. I also talked to my local powder coat place and they asked if I could bring down the valve covers for them to look at. I will post up what they say as well.

 

[73pony]

Got an update on this. Stopped down at my local powder coat place to talk about the valve covers. They has a sample polished alum valve cover that they had coated 4-5 years ago for an employee. He ran it on his car for 2+ years. It still looked like new. Only thing that they wanted to really point out to me was the clear powder coat will make the aluminum appear just a shade darker. (not much). Being OK with this I said lets go for it. They are going to polish them up, smooth out the finish and clear powder coat them. All for $65 plus tax. I will be able to pick them up next week and post up some pics.

 

[Mikes73]

That sounds like a great deal.

 

[73pony]

They are a pretty big powder coating place. I have had them do a lot of stuff for me. Railings, gates, headers, intake, etc. They always treat me well and do a fantastic job.

 

[LCB1]

What kind of coating did they do on your headers and do you have any pics?

 

[73pony]

on the headers they Cerakote on the outside and insulkote on the inside. They have a special wand for spraying the insulkote on the inside. Pretty neat process. you can actually put your hands near the headers while running without burning them up. I have run them for over a year and they still look the same as when they were just done.

 

[LCB1]

Looks nice, what did they charge for that?

 

[73pony]

If I remember right the headers I had done with my intake at the same time. Was a little less than $200 for everything. The headers has to have the shipping coating from factory removed and the intake was used and pretty rough. Here is a pic of the intake.

 

[LCB1]

Thanks, I'll have to check locally to see what they charge for the coating. I have a sandblaster so I can clean them up myself.

 

[Mikes73]

Looks great 73 pony, very nice what you are doing there.

 

[73pony]

Looks great 73 pony, very nice what you are doing there.

Thanks Mike. Cant wait for a little warm weather so I can get back at it out in the garage.