Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I have seen a lot of methods to clean and remove the oxidation from valve covers and intakes like wd40/brass wheel, vinegar and water, oven cleaner, Aluma Bright, etc. I have a fair bit of black and white oxidation.

What's the consensus on here? I don't want to spend much time just make them look a lot better but don't want to leave scratches or damage them.

Thanks.

400to 600 grit then buff polish works

Depending on the finish you want, I used #80 grit garnet sand in a home media blasting cabinet @100psi.
It cleaned up the cover nicely and left a dull grey finish which has a very natural appearance.

Guess I need an excuse to pick up a sandblasting cabinet

Looks nice

How time consuming was it?

redroadster wrote: Mon Mar 03, 2025 10:04 pm 400to 600 grit then buff polish works

My sandblast cabinet is one of my favorite tools, but you need a pretty big air compressor for any serious work. I prefer glass beads as a media, slightly slower but a smoother finish.

Nissanman wrote: Mon Mar 03, 2025 10:05 pm Depending on the finish you want, I used #80 grit garnet sand in a home media blasting cabinet @100psi.
It cleaned up the cover nicely and left a dull grey finish which has a very natural appearance.

CnC 010418.jpg

Your photo was tripping me out, then I saw your Down Under Aussie profile.

Yeah, since RHD takes the steering and brake master over to the "correct" side, that side of the firewall looks real clean to us LHD "furr-eigners".
(that is why Spriso's work always looks so clean, among many clever things, he omits the "junction block" and over-and-back brake lines that clutter everything up)

Oh, and see if you can make friends with someone who has a "vapor blast cabinet". This uses some concoction of steam and / or beads, and things come out with a nice "polish" look that only needs a clear coat to remain in same condition. The local small bore motorcycle guys do this on their parts, looks real nice.

I was watching some DIY vapor blast videos on youtube. Definitely looks neat. I think I found a local guy that has a sand blaster so might go that route. Anyone try one of the chemical methods?

mschel wrote: Mon Mar 03, 2025 10:40 pm How time consuming was it?

redroadster wrote: Mon Mar 03, 2025 10:04 pm 400to 600 grit then buff polish works

A bit ,2 hours with a wizzer airtool and brass or fine ss small wire it goes fast but then polishing hour or so steel wool 1st takes off a lot