SoCal Jet Boats

Discussion => The No Wake Zone => Topic started by: muffbro on October 15, 2013, 05:53:39 PM

Title: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: muffbro on October 15, 2013, 05:53:39 PM
tools used??


phone

Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: Chad krieger on October 15, 2013, 07:31:33 PM
Let the metal warm up a little bit u can see how it polishes up.



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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: Chad krieger on October 15, 2013, 07:33:27 PM
Use a harbor fright polisher both sides are polishers a little rue stick on one side and let it spin



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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: randog on October 15, 2013, 08:41:08 PM
Is it already polished or is it rough casting


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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: ka0tyk on October 15, 2013, 08:56:57 PM
dont skip ahead to higher grits quickly.  take your time with the lower grits to do the hard work.  everyone wants to jump into the 1000's to see how shiney it gets and then they just have shiney scratches and bumps... it'll pay off in the long run. 
Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: GT Jets on October 15, 2013, 09:51:59 PM
A great cheat is to use abrasive pads to knock down all the major imperfections and get it smooth from the get.

The second cheat, and this one will save you a stupid amount of time. That is Sodium Bicarbonate blasting the parts before you start with the wheel.

The third and probably best cheat is to let someone else do it, because it is an insane amount of work.   :screwy:

GT
Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: 82daytona on October 16, 2013, 03:46:17 AM
Pay someone to do it


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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: SoCalPSD on October 16, 2013, 06:51:37 AM
Most polishers charge around 100-150 for an intake. You'll spend more than that buying everything you need and beer to drink while you do it not to mention the hours of sanding and polishing.


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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: 82daytona on October 16, 2013, 02:43:14 PM
Had this done at a shop


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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: thrust on October 16, 2013, 02:53:09 PM
Look up truck stops.chrome shops.  Polishing wheels and polishing bars are prety cheep. Just put on an angle grinder last ones I got to polish wheels and tanks on semi 80$ Just time then

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Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: muffbro on October 16, 2013, 04:34:23 PM
after it's polished, clear coat to
keep ups honey or just wipe and repolish?????


phone

Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: muffbro on October 16, 2013, 04:45:42 PM

Had this done at a shop


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very nice......


phone

Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: jrork on November 14, 2013, 06:18:58 AM
tools used??



Not difficult but it does take time and work.

What I use is
Right angle die grinder
Scotch brite wheels for above in red, green and blue grits
Some 600, 1000 and 1500 wet and dry sandpaper
Cheapo Harbor Freight buffer
Cheap Harbor Freight buffing wheels and compound
One good chair that is comfortable for you to be in for a number of hours
Some beer cuz you get thirsty

And Ian to do the work while I sit in the chair and drink beer as I "supervise" Ian....   :beer:

You can get it really close with just the scotchbrite pads on the die grinder and wet sanding.   The buffing then goes really quick.
Title: Re: any 'secret tips' for polishing an aluminum intake??
Post by: Your Mom on November 14, 2013, 06:34:14 AM
Most polishers charge around 100-150 for an intake. You'll spend more than that buying everything you need and beer to drink while you do it not to mention the hours of sanding and polishing.


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Had mine polished and powder coated clear for that price... Ended up with some fish eyes in a few places but overall worth it. The powder company said it was from the casting but I think it was from bad prep after the polish.
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