Rocker covers. To polish or anodize?

[DaLeroy]

Heya guys

I've got a set of aluminum rocker covers for my 351 Cleveland which is nearly completed. Need some ideas on what kind of finish I should go for. I'm totally against chrome, looks very tacky IMO. The engine is black (original colour) , engine bay is black, Edelbrock manifold will probably be painted black as well (to look standard ) Air filter is chrome (not ideal, but it's staying that way). The rocker covers are ribbed on the top. I'm thinking of getting them professionally polished (I tried myself, it's a nightmare) or possibly anodized. Any ideas?

Thanks

I'll see if I can find a pic that looks like them...

 

[JC]

Hey how's it goin down unda?

If you've got the black look goin, I suggest polishing just the tops of the ribs, then black crinkle paint. Then use thinner and clean off the tops of the ribs, revealing the polish.

JC

 

[trmiv]

I say anodize them. I also like the brushed aluminum look though.

 

[db]

JCIV has it right.
Black always goes good with polished aluminum.

 

[DaLeroy]

<< Hey how's it goin down unda?

If you've got the black look goin, I suggest polishing just the tops of the ribs, then black crinkle paint. Then use thinner and clean off the tops of the ribs, revealing the polish.

JC >>



Australia is lovely as usual. Top weather

The covers are a bit marked from my attempts at polishing (didn't finish) and have got some paint on them. (not the best condition) What's the best way to fix this up before painting them properly?

Thanks

 

[JEDI]

how do u anodize it? or thru a company?

 

[Capn]

anodize them, what color, black? You could go with another color, not sure what would go with your color scheme though.

Black chrome might be slick as well.

 

[JC]

<< The covers are a bit marked from my attempts at polishing (didn't finish) and have got some paint on them. (not the best condition) What's the best way to fix this up before painting them properly?

Thanks >>



Carby cleaner will likely take off the paint, you should be able to file down most of the oopsies.....polishing just the top of the ribs should be pretty easy, methinks

 

[Sluggo]

<< Hey how's it goin down unda?

If you've got the black look goin, I suggest polishing just the tops of the ribs, then black crinkle paint. Then use thinner and clean off the tops of the ribs, revealing the polish.

JC >>



This is a sweet look on a black motor, I like this suggestion.

This and a few more touches of billet material underhood would look great.

 

[DaLeroy]

<<

<< The covers are a bit marked from my attempts at polishing (didn't finish) and have got some paint on them. (not the best condition) What's the best way to fix this up before painting them properly?

Thanks >>



Carby cleaner will likely take off the paint, you should be able to file down most of the oopsies.....polishing just the top of the ribs should be pretty easy, methinks >>



Getting some paint stripper this arvo (do it properly ) and some emery paper. Going to polish out all my swirls that I made with the polishing disk, hopefully the paint will stick ok onto the Aluminium after this. (Do I need a primer?)

I'll then paint them that cool crinkly black colour (looks awesome I reckon) and whack 'em on when the motor is finished!

Thanks for all the help guys, I'll hopefully get pics once I've done them! (knowing me, it'll be a week )

 

[notfred]

I think the anodizing will look crappy if they're not polished first.

 

[JC]

<< hopefully the paint will stick ok onto the Aluminium after this. (Do I need a primer?) >>



You'll prolly be OK if you leave the painted areas unpolished. Some light sanding (like 400 grit) should be rough enough for good adhesion. And get them oil-free, brake cleaner is good
for getting an oil-free surface for painting.

JC