Restoring Rb25 Plenum/intake To Factory Appearance

[gold-3lt]

Hi i'm looking to get one of my rb25 intake manifolds looking as if it's new again preferably without just cleaning it with parts cleaner and painting it silver.

Doe's anyone know what is the best way to get that nice semi shiny alloy look the same as the factory appearance??

I'm not sure if the plenum and intake is cleared only from the factory or if it is just left bare alloy but i was thinking off sandblasting (handheld air compressor type) them on the outside completely then use wax and grease remover, let dry then spray with a non-gloss clear.

I sandblasted an rb30 plenum not long ago and it came up really clean but for some reason it went really dull and almost grey rather than that nice alloy colour. the compressor i used couldnt supply enough pressure but i cant be certain if that was the reason for this. Any help/info would be appreciated

[Craved]

blasted alluminium is a greyish beige colour, so what you are describing is not an issue.

for a blasting process to leave you with some shine you would need to use glass beads so that it peened the surface to create the shine.

[gold-3lt]

blasted alluminium is a greyish beige colour, so what you are describing is not an issue.

for a blasting process to leave you with some shine you would need to use glass beads so that it peened the surface to create the shine.

So this would be the easiest way without painting? Any idea where i might be able to buy glass beads? Also i had another idea.. what about those ultrasonic solutions some cylinder head/engine rebuilder shops have where they immerse the parts in the solution and they come out clean. Are these tubs pretty standard in those kind of shops these days?

[Craved]

ultrasonic tubs wouldnt be - but if the plenum is shiny underneath the dirt (ie no corrosion yet) then a normal acid bath that are used for heads would do the trick

hare and forbes in brisbane would have the glass beads, but i would try an engine re conditioner first

[Addicted2BoostR34]

befor powder coat

after i just got it done a shade of silver and the crossover pipe 2

[babyskyline]

So you ended up just getting it painted silver??

Definitely looks a lot better now!!

[Addicted2BoostR34]

sand blasterd and powdercoated silver any good powdercoating place will have a selection of coloures i paid the extra $ because it looks better and wont flake or shit like thay in a few months rockercovers where done 2

[gold-3lt]

sand blasterd and powdercoated silver any good powdercoating place will have a selection of coloures i paid the extra $ because it looks better and wont flake or shit like thay in a few months rockercovers where done 2

how much did the plenum/intake, tb and crossover pipe cost all up to get blasted and powder coated?

[Addicted2BoostR34]

i cant remember for sure in the end it was like 150 for the lot

just go in and ask the guys

[BrisTroy]

Would I be wrong in suggesting brass brush and metal polish?