I'm getting a Manifold out of a wrecked car and "Polishing" the Aluminum. You need a Dual-action sander. Sand it down with 320. Hit it again with 400. Start gradually moving up in finishing papers as the Aluminum begins to shine. When you are sanding it with 1000 0r 1200 ... you'll be "Putting a finish" on the Aluminum ... 1500 will set you up for Buffing it.
Buffing it with Number-5 and Number-6 Jewelers Rouges will put a Mirror Finish on that Aluminum that rivals Chrome.

Leave it plain or get it Clear Coated with High Heat Clear and it will look like you had the Manifold Chrome Plated.

I just have to find a Junk Yard with a 3400 Engine they are parting-out.

 

yeah you can do this but you have to sand it some to give it bite for it to stick and then out adheition promoter on to it to help it out more.

honestly you would be better off useing tire foam on it to make it glossy and be done with it and reapply as needed

 

looks great, keep up the good work

 

HINT on the buffing: When you are all done, and there is still a haze that's hard to get rid of, use some Happich Semi-Chrome polish on it for the final shine. I've been using this stuff for 30+ years in moldmaking for the final shine on lens tools, either steel or aluminum. It works especially good on aluminum.

 

Well, I went ahead and painted my cover seems how everyone else is doing it. I used the Dupli-Color Mirage paint (the Ice color). Painted today in 20 degree weather, or atleast I sprayed in the garage and then brought it back into the house to dry each time. Have yet to see it in the sun, I'll try to get pictures up soon.

 

Yeah, I'm planning on spraying mine too. Lets see some pics

 

Hey God_Bot can you get some pictures of you engine cover painted. I wanna see how the 3.9 cover looks painted.

 

I'll have to see if I can find someone with a camera, my dad's camera ran outta batteries right before I left home. I don't know how well it'll show up, but I'll try. I'll let ya know when I get it, need to find something to make clips of me exhaust too...

 

I've been considering it, I'm just not sure what color yet, with the manifold peeking through I almost have to paint it as well... hmmmm...

 

go with the same silver of ur car and then paint the letters a different color, i think that will look sharp