S130Z Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Well I just got finished polishing and painting my valve cover. This was not one of the more fun things that I have done with the ZX. I started off with a 220 grit and worked my way up to 1000. Then I used 2 different grits of polishing compounds(red then grey) on a cotton wheel hooked to an electric drill. I also used my dremel for some of the tight spaces. Although I missed a bit of small spots, but it looks good enough for me. It took me a total of about 7 hours of labor, that includes the 2 times I dropped it and had to resand some spots. I have not gone with an aluminum hand polish yet, so I'm sure it can get a little bit more shinny. Here are some Pics..... I have great respect for the people who get these looking 100% as this takes a lot of labor and patience. I had a very little idea of how to polish aluminum when I started, but I'm sure if I could do it again, it would end up looking better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The love of JDM Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Looks pretty good. Ive been thinking about doing mine on the Fairlady. Its a time investment thats for sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowCarbZ Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Yeah i've been thinking about doing mine and have an idea on what i'd like to paint on the top. The bitch is that I don't have a spare gasket and don't really feel like taking it off the car, i'd rather drive it. Doing it right on the car is impossible. So i'm keeping my eyes peeled for a spare cover or at least waiting 'til I have the car put away for winter again in a few months to do it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The love of JDM Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Good idea, when does winter start for you in Canada? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowCarbZ Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 Gotta wait 'til the very end of October or early November before it goes away. Either steady cold temps or snow, whatever comes first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S130Z Posted June 1, 2009 Author Share Posted June 1, 2009 It definitely helps to have good tools too. A bench grinder with a cotton wheel would have been nice, but you gotta work with whatcha got! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowCarbZ Posted June 1, 2009 Share Posted June 1, 2009 No yours looks really good. Unless it's a dedicated show car that's going to fetch money, I personally wouldn't have the motivation to put any more time into it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The love of JDM Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Gotta wait 'til the very end of October or early November before it goes away. Either steady cold temps or snow, whatever comes first. Sounds fun.. It definitely helps to have good tools too. A bench grinder with a cotton wheel would have been nice, but you gotta work with whatcha got! You can use a bench grinder with a cotton wheel? I suppose it makes sence, does it adapt together? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S130Z Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 Yeah, I have the motor torn down and parts at the machine shop. I was kinda board and thought it would be nice to have a polished valve cover. I do think it was completely worth my spare time though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S130Z Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 You can use a bench grinder with a cotton wheel? I suppose it makes sence, does it adapt together? Yeah, they make cotton wheels that go in place of a grinding wheel. You just need to take off the safety covers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The love of JDM Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Yeah, they make cotton wheels that go in place of a grinding wheel. You just need to take off the safety covers. Very cool, will have to get some cotton wheels now Thanx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S130Z Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 You can get them pretty cheap from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool. Thats where I picked up my cotton wheels and polishing compounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The love of JDM Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Ok, cool. I bought my dual bench grinder N-T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators BRAAP Posted June 2, 2009 Administrators Share Posted June 2, 2009 Cool mirror.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S130Z Posted June 2, 2009 Author Share Posted June 2, 2009 It's a little hazy, I will try and clear it up with some Mother's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slownrusty Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Looks great Adam. Most people will not realize how tough it is to polish these valve covers unless they try it for themselves. The NA valve covers are worse due to the casting, so thank your lucky stars in that regard. Mothers will only take out very very minor surface imperfections. The best way to polish these things is to take out the surface casting marks, scratches etc with a fine mesh wheel on a die grinder then use a powerful grinder (lots of rpm and amps), the buffing wheel and several stages of clay compound. Its all in the prep. Good job! Yasin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LowCarbZ Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Good tips slownrusty... I would've thought a mesh wheel would be too abbrasive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slownrusty Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 Good tips slownrusty... I would've thought a mesh wheel would be too abbrasive. Fabric mesh..not wire mesh...sorry I should have been more clear. Yasin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayz Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 LowcarbZ, if you are in Toronto at one point, I can lend you a cover if you want. I have a couple laying around, just give me the old one when you are done with it !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shika805 Posted June 2, 2009 Share Posted June 2, 2009 not bad... its pretty good for doing it yourself... wow 7 hours, takes a lot i guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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