Vapor blasting

[69scj]

I'm considering having some stuff done, ie valve covers, intake,ect. but these parts have been previously bead blasted so the original as-cast finish is gone. My question is will these parts look as good or the same as said parts that had not been previously bead blasted? It would be nice to see a pic of something previously bead blasted and then vapor blasted. Like half of a valve cover in each finish.

[Bob Gaines]

I'm considering having some stuff done, ie valve covers, intake,ect. but these parts have been previously bead blasted so the original as-cast finish is gone. My question is will these parts look as good or the same as said parts that had not been previously bead blasted? It would be nice to see a pic of something previously bead blasted and then vapor blasted. Like half of a valve cover in each finish.

NO. It will smooth out the bead blast finish some . I suppose it depends on your expectations. If looking for a assemblyline look the vapor blast finish doesn't get you there. Depending on the part it can be a process to get you part of the way however. It certainly cleans things up but leaves a finish unlike new if that is what you are looking for.  On CJ valve covers for example it will get you close but you will have to do additional work to make them look more assemblyline. On aluminum intakes you almost completely lose the pores texture of a fresh cast aluminum. From what I have seen the process makes the surface look shiny and the opposite of the mat porous finish of a fresh cast vintage aluminum intake.  

[69scj]

I'm considering having some stuff done, ie valve covers, intake,ect. but these parts have been previously bead blasted so the original as-cast finish is gone. My question is will these parts look as good or the same as said parts that had not been previously bead blasted? It would be nice to see a pic of something previously bead blasted and then vapor blasted. Like half of a valve cover in each finish.

NO. It will smooth out the bead blast finish some . I suppose it depends on your expectations. If looking for a assemblyline look the vapor blast finish doesn't get you there. Depending on the part it can be a process to get you part of the way however. It certainly cleans things up but leaves a finish unlike new if that is what you are looking for.  On CJ valve covers for example it will get you close but you will have to do additional work to make them look more assemblyline. On aluminum intakes you almost completely lose the pores texture of a fresh cast aluminum. From what I have seen the process makes the surface look shiny and the opposite of the mat porous finish of a fresh cast vintage aluminum intake. 

Thanks for your reply Bob. When you said that the vapor blasting would get me part of the way to an as new look and that additional work is needed, do you know what that work my consist of? Is it a tumbling process or a different media and or pressure in a blast cabinet or a soak in a particular brew? Thanks again for your help!

[Bob Gaines]

I'm considering having some stuff done, ie valve covers, intake,ect. but these parts have been previously bead blasted so the original as-cast finish is gone. My question is will these parts look as good or the same as said parts that had not been previously bead blasted? It would be nice to see a pic of something previously bead blasted and then vapor blasted. Like half of a valve cover in each finish.

NO. It will smooth out the bead blast finish some . I suppose it depends on your expectations. If looking for a assemblyline look the vapor blast finish doesn't get you there. Depending on the part it can be a process to get you part of the way however. It certainly cleans things up but leaves a finish unlike new if that is what you are looking for.  On CJ valve covers for example it will get you close but you will have to do additional work to make them look more assemblyline. On aluminum intakes you almost completely lose the pores texture of a fresh cast aluminum. From what I have seen the process makes the surface look shiny and the opposite of the mat porous finish of a fresh cast vintage aluminum intake. 

Thanks for your reply Bob. When you said that the vapor blasting would get me part of the way to an as new look and that additional work is needed, do you know what that work my consist of? Is it a tumbling process or a different media and or pressure in a blast cabinet or a soak in a particular brew? Thanks again for your help!

Different parts require different procedures. In the case of the CJ valve covers for example the short answer involves polishing them and then dulling the finish back down to a acceptable look with a acid wash. At least that is one way to get to the expected look.