I'm changing from the finned, blacked cam/valve covers to the smooth aluminum covers from a '67. What is the general wisdom on bringing them up to a high lustre? Hopefully something better than rubbing compound and a rag. Thanks for your advice.

Eric Cope,
1968 E-Type OTS

Submitted by georgejones123… on Fri, 09/16/2005 - 18:08

Eric,

I have done two sets of cam shaft covers and offer the following advice.

The only effective way to do them properly is to do them on a buffing wheel to get the final shine, but the preparation is everything before starting the buffing. The buffing does not eliminate scratches, even fine scratches. It only buffs the scratch while buffing the rest so it is necessary to sand out all the scratches using progressively finer paper until the scratches are gone. I started with 220 grit to get the main scratches and next removed fine scratches with 320 and finished with 400 until I couldn't see any surface scratches. I used a large die grinder (pneumatic type) with cone shaped buffs and buffing compounds to get into the corners at the bolt holes etc. and then went to to the buffing wheels. I used a sewn buff as the first course buff with the brown buffing compound finishing with a floppy soft buffing wheel with the white compound. All of this equipment can be purchased at eastwood.com on line.

A word of caution. Be sure you get a very firm grip of the covers when buffing and avoid having the rotation such that the wheel catches sharp edges. Always have rotation such that the wheel is exiting the sharp edges, and not entering the sharp edges. If you don't you can have a nasty jolt when the wheel yanks the piece out of your hands. I speak from bitter experience.

The good news is that with persiverence you can get great looking covers.

The bad news is that it will take about six to eight hours to do one if they have any scrtches and you want a nice shiny end result.

Good Luck!

George Jones

Private Restorer.66' 3.8 Mark 2, 67' Ser. 1 FHC "E"