Stripping paint off an aluminum intake

[rs74]

I know this isn't the correct spot for this thread but but was not sure if it needed to go in engine or paint section. I am looking at a new performer rpm intake that has never been run. It was used as a display in a performance shop and got painted with the engine.

I am wondering in stripping the paint off with stripper would do anything to the aluminum finish. I would like to just have the factory finish. I think even if I blast the intake with corn cobs it will take off the finish. From what I hear if an intake is blasted it seems to get dirtier quicker. Any suggestions? I can get this intake pretty cheap. I may just have to spend the extra and buy one from summit so it has the finish I want. The intake is bright yellow now and just wont go with the rest of the truck.

If this thread needs to be moved somewhere else then please do so.

[manimal]

you can try using acetone...but by the time you buy enough of it to soak the intake, you could 'almost' buy a new one from Summit or Jeg's

[ont_guy_38]

If you have your heart set on factory finish than I would buy a new one. They have stripper for aluminum but i wouldn't guarantee the aluminum to still look the same after stripping.

[rs74]

Originally Posted by ont_guy_38

If you have your heart set on factory finish than I would buy a new one. They have stripper for aluminum but i wouldn't guarantee the aluminum to still look the same after stripping.

I just want a clean looking intake that is not painted. This intake is new for $100 verse the $180 from Summit. Not a bad deal but not worth it if it is a pain in the rear to get the paint off.

[nheller76]

lacquer thinner! I clean all my engine parts with lacquer thinner, it wont hurt the aluminum and if you get a soft wire brush or a brush ment to clean dishes and you paint on the thinner you will get it off just fine. I've cleaned 3 of them this way and my endurea shine that way too. it will get messy and you might get a little high from the fumes but you can strip the paint, oil and what ever else u need off of it. plus a gallon of thinner is like $15 at home depo.

[manimal]

What intake is it?

[Hecticelectricauto]

Brush on stripper let soak for 4-5 min in the hot sun then pressure wash it off didn't hurt the finish on my wheels when I done it so an intake should be fine if needed use a scotch BRITE before pressure washing
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[INSIDIOUS '86]

Strip it then blast it the rest of the way. I've run a few like this and they did fine. Gas is what usually stains it and oil comes from whatever at the time.

I've always used simple green BBQ cleaner under the hood and it picks all the oils up and is nice to the paint under. Then just low pressure rinse everything off.

As for painting or clear coat, unless you know any that are gas proof and heat and oil proof it can be a bad idea actually. Regular upkeep will keep white rust away
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[rs74]

Originally Posted by manimal

What intake is it?

Performer RPM

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by nheller76

it will get messy and you might get a little high from the fumes but you can strip the paint,

You'll need to factor in some additional cost for the purchase of potato chips and other munchies, as a result.

K

[hyatt]

bead blast it

[meatwagon83]

sand blast it

[nheller76]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

You'll need to factor in some additional cost for the purchase of potato chips and other munchies, as a result.

K

I also herd that twink is back........ totally worth the investment! but seriously it will take some elbow grease but it will work well.

[71maligreen]

just blast it and be done its fast and easy and looks good when done then if you want it to stay nice clear it!!!

[71maligreen]

thats what i did to this intake

[71maligreen]

but i prefer mine painted same color as block seems to appeal more to me!!!

[1slo_camaro]

buy the intake and flip it then add a few extra bucks and buy a brand new one. if the price is righ i would be interested in picking it up, as for removing the paint, i would fill a bucket up with acetone or paint thinner and let it soak overnight. and then then next day take a rag and wipe it all off. unless it is a polished intake you could also media/sand/bead blast it then paint it with rust oleum aluminum paint, looks pretty natural

[rs74]

Well it is no longer an issue how to get it off. The guy who has it went ahead and used paint stripper on it then power washed it off. I am supposed to go see how it turned out. I am going to end up with it either way.

I might come out better than I had thought. He is in need of an intake for a vortec and I think I still have one laying around somewhere. I need to go see if I can find it. May just trade for it. Money ahead.

[mooseknuckles]

....bare aluminum gets dirty, and clear coated aluminum turns yellow, I kinda like aftermarket intakes painted, especially if they've been "smoothed" a little....you could get it ceramic coated....

[rs74]

Originally Posted by mooseknuckles

....bare aluminum gets dirty, and clear coated aluminum turns yellow, I kinda like aftermarket intakes painted, especially if they've been "smoothed" a little....you could get it ceramic coated....

I don't like the fact that bare aluminum will get dirty looking after a while but painted intakes just remind me of a factory lookin engine. Not really the look I want for this build. What about a clear powdercoat. Would that be possible?

[Blackpony]

depending on what kind of paint was used, brake cleaner will sometimes remove paint. if you paint it with vht high temp paint, then use engine paint clear coat, it turns out real close to the natural color but with a slight shine and is easy to clean.

kinda hard to tell but that is what i did with this intake