Aquablasting aluminium parts

[JC220]

Hi all,

Some may not have seen the posts in my owners thread. This is just to show what Aquablasting can do to original corroded manky parts. I did not know about this process until very recently. I am lucky that a local shop I know offers this service.

Before:


After:



Aquablasting uses a glass powder and water to gently clean the aluminium and it gives a nice original lustre to the parts. It also brings up brass and copper etc like new. They said to bring them the engine temp switches etc too and they will look like new after

Pretty cool that old parts can come up this nice! Keep it in mind for a resto

 

[sheward]

That's a very nice finish. Would make a set of valve covers look grand as well. I've never heard of the process but I'm going to find out if it's available around here.

drew

 

[Kyiv]

Only in Europe can you find services like this offered nonchalantly. How much did this cost you in Ireland?

 

[JC220]

Only in Europe can you find services like this offered nonchalantly. How much did this cost you in Ireland?

I don't know yet! I will find out this evening when I pick up the last item to the blasted at the moment - the upper intake manifold. I'll post the cost later.

Then I will give them all the switches, hose clamps and fan blade to clean. And I think I will now also send all bolts off for plating which is also another local shop. Trying my best to not turn this into a 9 year full rotisserie restoration Weather window is closing so this motor needs to go in - but I want all taken care off so it stays in for 20+ years hopefully.

 

[AMG5PT4]

Otherwise known as vapor blasting to do a search on. I had several engine pieces vapor blasted. Gives the aluminum a more original looking finish than any other process and supposedly is aluminum friendly.

What I did find out is that there is a media in with the vapor blast. You don't want to use the process on something that has a bearing (like a water pump with the shaft/vane). There is a fine grit that will mess up anything that is machined and may bind. This is good for aluminum engine parts like front covers, valve covers, intake manifolds (but make sure the inside of the IM is completely cleaned out), alternator brackets, motor mount brackets, etc. If you do an oil filter housing, I would be sure the cap is tightly screwed down and any block opening is securely taped off. Be prudent!

 

[darek_u]

Is there any advance over glass bead blasting? Just curious. I've been using tiny glass balls for restoring the aluminium parts for years with very good effect.
Like AMG5PT4 stated it is crucial that any parts that have bearings or will have a contact with oil etc. are perfectly sealed and cleaned afterwards from any remaining of the blasting media. In fact it is safer to use soda blasting on some engine parts like pumps etc. unless they are fully disassembled.

 

[JC220]

Otherwise known as vapor blasting to do a search on. I had several engine pieces vapor blasted. Gives the aluminum a more original looking finish than any other process and supposedly is aluminum friendly.

What I did find out is that there is a media in with the vapor blast. You don't want to use the process on something that has a bearing (like a water pump with the shaft/vane). There is a fine grit that will mess up anything that is machined and may bind. This is good for aluminum engine parts like front covers, valve covers, intake manifolds (but make sure the inside of the IM is completely cleaned out), alternator brackets, motor mount brackets, etc. If you do an oil filter housing, I would be sure the cap is tightly screwed down and any block opening is securely taped off. Be prudent!

Correct yes! Thats why I did not send my oil filter housing to them and instead ultrasonic cleaned it myself. The guy that does the blasting is very thorough regarding grit and washes everything very well after the blasting and dries them off. Not a pick of grit anywhere. If the water pump dies - so be it - not concerned about that. Thought it was worth cleaning it for a few pound before junking it altogether.

 

[JC220]

Is there any advance over glass bead blasting? Just curious. I've been using tiny glass balls for restoring the aluminium parts for years with very good effect.
Like AMG5PT4 stated it is crucial that any parts that have bearings or will have a contact with oil etc. are perfectly sealed and cleaned afterwards from any remaining of the blasting media. In fact it is safer to use soda blasting on some engine parts like pumps etc. unless they are fully disassembled.

The aqua blasting utilises the buffering effect of the water and is a different process / finish than any dry blasting as far as I understand it. When you really want to get into it – no form of blasting grit is safe is it? So it is what it is. I really like how the parts turned out and don’t think there is any damage or grit left behind. If there is – of course I will fix it

 

[AMG5PT4]

glass bead blasting media can leave the surface a different texture than original - at least that is what the vapor blasting guys say. Vapor blasting is supposed to leave the original surface intact.

 

[JC220]

I don't know yet! I will find out this evening when I pick up the last item to the blasted at the moment - the upper intake manifold.

I cant provide a price reference for this... allow me to explain.

The guy doing the blasting and powdercoating is one and the same. He refurbishes my wheels normally and is super busy at present. Aka over 200 wheels to get done in his shop and rows of ranges rovers and Mercs on jack stands outside.

I have called several evenings to collect my parts and each time was let down. I kept patient and understood the pressure he was under. Yesterday evening when I called he said "if it's not done by tomorrow I'll do it free of charge".

It wasnt ready this evening.

He insists now that the valve covers will be powder coated tomorrow and all is free - no charge.

Now, I won't let him do it for free I'm not that type of guy. I always pay my way and appreciate hard work. So I'll make sure and give him a very healthy tip when finally picking up my parts. So for a price comparison I don't really now what he charges people for aqua blasting or powdercoat valve covers for that matter

 

[Kyiv]

Now, I won't let him do it for free I'm not that type of guy

Yeah, you want him to be happy to see you and your parts.