any pics of a Z intake restored. looking for as it came from the factory look

[svtrich]

should I get mine media tumbled or just lightly blast it? what did a new one from the factory look like.
                      Richard

[1968RSZ28]

what did a new one from the factory look like.

Like this...

Paul

[Dave69x33]

This intake is from a friend's X77 '69Z undergoing a restoration.  He is the 2nd owner, and the car has been in the family since new.  The car is an untouched survivor with a 10D build date from Norwood, fully documented with low mileage. 

Notice how sloppy the engine overspray is on the intake.  It makes you wonder if they skipped using the masking box when they painted this engine.

[svtrich]

after seeing these manifolds.I wonder if I should lightly bead blast it and put a thin coat of clear on it
                      Rich

[RamAirDave]

a low psi bead blast, followed with a fine steel wool rub will make it look nice, but don't clear it.

[JohnZ]

Send it to Jerry MacNeish - it'll look like this when you get it back. :-)

[CNorton]

I'd second JohnZ's recommendation.  You could cosmetically ruin a relatively expensive part by experimenting with it.  You only get one chance to get it right and Jerry's re-skinning process turns out amazing results.

[firstgenaddict]

Don't clear it, the clear will turn yellow and look like crap...

[tom]

Have Jerry reskin it

[Dave69x33]

I worked in the aerospace industry and walnut shell media was used to blast aluminum and magnesium gearbox components. This soft media does a good job to give the alum or mag material a fresh look yet does not change the original texture of the surface.

[GordonOne]

As dave69 said, i too worked  aero-space all my life.....and walnut shells are what we used on everything from turbine blades to hyd. cyclinders etc. plus, we had a Vapor Degreaser, and nothing cleans like a vapor degreaser......miss MEK, and Tricholoethylene, Gordon

[flyingskibiker]

John,

Is that your car?  If so, what air cleaner do you use?  I bought a repro open element air cleaner.  It doesn't come close to fitting...

Chris B.

Send it to Jerry MacNeish - it'll look like this when you get it back. :-)

[jdv69z]

Don't clear it, the clear will turn yellow and look like crap...

I can vouch for this one. It's true.

Jimmy V.

[JohnZ]

John,

Is that your car?  If so, what air cleaner do you use?  I bought a repro open element air cleaner.  It doesn't come close to fitting...

Chris B.

The stock air cleaner fits fine - some of the repros that are made to fit many applications don't accommodate the float adjusters on both ends of the 4053 carb. Are you sure the repro you have is for a Holley, and not for a Q-Jet?

[Charley]

Light media blast and the steel wool or scotchbrite pad with dishwashing liquid  works wonders.