Technical Has anyone soda blasted an aluminum intake?

I have an aluminum dual quad manifold that has been painted.
I really would like to remove the paint.
I have searched and found many ideas for cleaning the paint off of aluminum intake manifolds.
I did not see soda blasting as one of the ways to get the paint off the manifold.
It seems to me that it would do a great job, and leave the surface like almost new.
What do you think?
KK

 

It will depend upon what was done to make it hold paint, and maybe why as well You could try liquid stripper, sure to be a mess but might pull any old stains out too. In order to look 'new' again I've seen shot peened intakes. Gives it that shiney hard surface but gotta find a competent shop to do it.

 

Get the paint off first. Soda leaves the aluminum really nice. I do carb bodies with it.

 

Fresh glass beads @ 40psi works great.

 

Here are a couple of old threads on the subject

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/cleaning-an-aluminum-intake-manifold.736701/

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/soda-blasting-an-intake-manifold.434363/

 

I use fine glass beads @ 40 psi or lower and the parts come out great.
I restore vintage snowmobiles as well and many parts are aluminum. My preference in cleaning aluminum. I have tried baking soda or sodium bicarbonate and was not real impressed with the results.
Vic

 

Glass beads, I have done lots of intakes that way, they look like new when done.

 

Actually, "any" type of blasting will leave the aluminum looking sort of white(ish).
It will also be MUCH more susceptible to stains with the original factory pouring "closed surface" opened up and /or the original coating (if used) removed . A little more work to remove fuel and dirt/oil stains.

Mike

 

Hi Kool

Maybe get some 1/8 alum sheet and make up a few test strips, see if the blaster will make a sample for you from each media

Than you will know what your manifold will look like, be sure to mark them so you know what is what

You can also Tumble it to for a smoother surface and ball burnish to be more shiny

DND

 

Thanks guys, all good suggestions!
KK

 

Had it done last year, still looks great, $40 and about an hours time!
Quick, neat, and at a reasonable price.
KK

 

So do you guys leave it as blasted or do you seal it with something before it gets mounted?

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=diy...ECA0QAw&biw=1280&bih=800#imgrc=vkpHS6aAsfvveM

http://www.how-to-build-hotrods.com/soda-blaster.html

 

I just put mine back on the engine.

 

I used soda on part of a radiator, came out clean and smooth. Baking soda kills grass, I found out after a couple days when a big brown spot started showing up!