9 replies to this topic

[Banger68]

Looking for ideas on keeping the underhood aluminum (alternator, AC compressor & bracket, head, ect) looking like new. Do you just blast them then paint it a bare aluminum colour?

[Bob ONeill]

On my Turbo Z I took the alternator bracket and cleaned off all the pits and bubbles until I had a more or less smooth surface. Once it was cleaned I painted it. I may take one and polish it then have it gold powder coated, or paint with a color/clear coat.

[TurboPacifica]

anything I take off I clean and paint.
plastic or metal sometimes I use the wirebrush on the drill
it's funny you can tell what I have had my hands on.

[1991spirites]

Powder coating is the best way of keeping it nice, but also the most expensive way.  If you do paint make sure you clear it afterwords and make sure they are clean!! The pics below show the A/C bracket after it was powdercoated.  That's my old Spirit.  Right now i'm redoing my Lebaron, but do to cost I will be painting the pieces instead.

[Banger68]

The bracket is fairly easy. But what about the alternator and compressor? Mask and paint I guess. It would like something that sticks to the head as well so all the auminum looks the same.

Notice in the second pic ended up painting the compressor black.

Edited by Banger68, February 6, 2012 at 07:14 pm.

[1991spirites]

The A/C compressor was an aftermarket replacement and it came black.  Alternator was new so that's why it looks nice.  You can paint the cylinder head.  I was looking at more pics and i did that.  I painted the front and cleaned the sides and back.  There is a guy here in town that has a show quality 89 Daytona Shelby and he polished his entire transmission case.  Do you plan on daily driving the car?

[Bob ONeill]

If I have a spare alternator (not sure I do) I'll take it apart and work the aluminum parts like any other. Once all the parts are looking good I'll reassemble with new bearings and diodes and brushes. It'll be like it's brand new. Of course I'll test it before I do the work to be sure the field and armature are good.

[Banger68]

No, not a DD. Just a "fun" car. I was considering buying a new alternator and AC just so I have a clean slate.

[1991spirites]

Well if it's not a DD then a good cleaning, some paint and a clear should be good.

[Russ90Daytona]

On alternators, I like to use ultra fine steel wool to polish the aluminum, rather than paint it.