OEMFresh1021

Is it okay to sandblast the valve cover to remove the powdercoat? Paint stripper isn't working so well.

jdmfreak1992

I have heard people say not to media blast them because some of the shot or sand can be left over inside the valve cover and fall out into the engine and cause damage.

It Wasn't Me

What kind of paint stripper are you using, and how long did you let it sit?


Aircraft paint stripper works the best.

toyomatt84

iTrader: (1)

I have had no problem using Tal-Strip on valve covers. I typically get the stuff that's brushed on, because it's less diluted.

20CiviC02Si

iTrader: (3)

Have you tried breaking the surface up a bit with some sand paper?

doubi2

try soda blasting it

OEMFresh1021

I got the top all done by sanding it by hand. But I need to get all the hard spots. I just had some multi-purpose stripper for metal, wood, and stuff like that. Where do you find the aircraft stripper? And what is soda blasting??

z4nd

Autozone for about 10 bucks

OEMFresh1021

Okay, cool. Will do. And where do you get all the polishing brush attachments to your airtool? Or how would you prefer starting the polishing stages? Use mothers?

EM2_08

well you want to get all the imperfects out of the valve cover so sand with 200, 400, 800, 1000,1500, and finish with a 2000 grit paper. Then get some never dull polish and rub that on for a little then apply some mother aluminum polish and your done

OEMFresh1021

Sounds good, thanks everyone! I'll probably finish the project this spring break.

MindBomber

Stripping the paint shouldn't be to hard with aircraft grade stripper, that's what everyone uses on their wheels and they don't seem to have much trouble getting the paint off. If you need to sandblast it though you could just have it hot dipped after to get it nice and clean.

OEMFresh1021

Alright man, I'll see what it takes. great ideas, thanks!