Valve Cover Cleaning

[roadstr6]

I've done wheels and other aluminum castings...and a 30' Airstream camper. The best way to do an object of this size is with an air-powered die grinder (preferably a 90 degree grinder) with three or four 4" cotton buffing wheels and three or four rouge blocks of different grits. It's a dirty job. Wear a mask and safety glasses. Mineral spirits does a pretty good job of getting the black off your hands and face.

If it were me, I would stop where you are, scuff it with 800 grit and paint it.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

^above, but if you have a bench grinder, you can buy a buffing wheel for the size grinder - 6", 8", etc. If not, you can get a Harbor Freight buffer setup and buffing compounds. A regular angle grinder goes too fast for decent buffing. Dremel felt discs aren't really made for such a large job.

 

[igotta40]

I’m curious, what does the rest of the truck look like? Got pictures?

 

[AYM707]

Just closing the loop on this thread...

This is where I started ...

and after all the polishing, cleaning, scribing....

I think there is still room for improvement, but I'm out time. I need to sell my truck.

 

[AYM707]

I’m curious, what does the rest of the truck look like? Got pictures?

I've got tons of pictures...its going up on BAT soon.