Thread: How can I get old alum heads to look new?

Tweet

I had the two four manifold on my '27 cleared and it turned out more of a gray color as opposed to aluminum looking. Bead blasting should restore that fresh aluminum look to it.

Don

Try a llittle phosphoric acid on them. You will be surprised how bright clean they look. Don't use it on polished aluminum as it will dull the finish but on cast it works great. You can find it at most home improvement stores. It is used primarily for A/C coil cleaning. "Coilbright" is one brand name. By the way, it is also an ingredient in most soft drinks.
John

Originally Posted by 41willys

Try a llittle phosphoric acid on them. You will be surprised how bright clean they look. Don't use it on polished aluminum as it will dull the finish but on cast it works great. You can find it at most home improvement stores. It is used primarily for A/C coil cleaning. "Coilbright" is one brand name. By the way, it is also an ingredient in most soft drinks.
John

Hey thanks , 41 . Is this the same stuff used to treat rust? Can I find the coil bright at Home Depot. Could you give some insight on how long to keep it on before you wash it?And since its acid is it going to eat away the alum.?

Don I know what you are talking about , I did the same thing on a intake and it looks great just a little gray. I am looking for the "bright" alum. finish also.