new to me valve cover

[superj]

i went to pick n pull today and picked up a nice valve cover i noticed the other day. but, its been in the weather a few months. what would ya'll say to clean it up and get it looking like new?

i am thinking a wire wheel and some paint after soaking it down with some type of carb cleaner or oil remover.

cost 16.94. i think it was a good deal

 

[Jester32]

I would get it soft bead blasted. Wire wheel will destroy the finish. Most places will charge like 5 bucks to do it. If your painting it make sure you use the proper primer and engine enamel. Looks alum so alum primer is a must.

 

[superj]

ok. it does feel like aluminum but you think that a walnut shell or baking soda blast is better so to not mess up the rougher finish the metal had prior to powder coating? sounds good to me if it sounds good to you

 

[Jester32]

That's why I suggested a soft bead. As my guy calls it. I would let the guy doing the blasting decide based on the finish you want. He's the pro. Lol

 

[superj]

sounds good. i'll have to call around and find out where the closest place is to do that

 

[flatie46]

I'd have gave that much for it to hang on the wall. If it were me, I'd wash it in dawn dishwashing liquid, scrub it with a small soft brass brush. Then paint it with a good heat proof paint. While it was wet I'd take a soft cloth and wipe the paint from the fins and letters. Then when it dried I'd go back with a little thinner on a rag to get any paint off that didn't come off easily the first time. That's my opinion, it can be yours if you want.

 

[superj]

Dawn is a good cleaner