Topic: Hi, my name is Bubba and I'm a solvent-aholic
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I'm pretty sure I Bubba'd my aluminum valve covers (75 L-82).
They were pretty dirty, probably never been cleaned before (maybe for this very reason), so I went at them with some carb-cleaner and a rag. That's just my 'why mess around, just go for the highest caliber you got' mentality.
As you may have guessed, it's a couple weeks later and the aluminum is developing patches of white powder growing on it. Oxidation/corrosion?
I've been wiping them clean, with just a rag to keep this from building up but I need a longer term solution. My wife is starting to think I have an odd fetish for my motor (I don't?).
What can I do to restore the original look with a protective finish? I'd like to keep them original.
Any help would be appreciated.
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
What you did was remove the oil/grease that was keeping them from oxidizing. In a perfect werld, that wouldn't happen, but these things are OLD! If you have bare aluminuminum covers that are clean, the best way to keep them from oxidizing is to either clear-coat them, or wipe them with a light oil. You could also polish them with a good aluminuminum polish, and they should stay purdy.
Later cars with the magnesium covers are a different story.....those need to be painted, or cleaned polished constantly to keep them from tarnishing...
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
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What would you suggest using for clear-coating? Something I can pick up from the local parts store or do they have to be dipped professionally?
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
You would need a hi-temp clear paint. Should be able to get that at a local parts house, I would think.
Another option would be to have them soda blasted.....this would clean them well, and keep them from corroding, without harming the finish.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
in Forum: C3 Engines
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