shvelle

It's difficult to get accurate pictures of polished aluminum (at least with my camera), but.....

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/376954/9

I only did the top since it was a very time consuming task and the bottom would just get dirty anyway (it is a daily driver after all).

ChrisCheezer

holy crap.. thats really nice looking, i hope u used air tools on that sucker.. update with pics of it installed too
good job.

DanNY

iTrader: (14)

your hands must hurt right about now.

shvelle

No, didn't use air tools. I started-out just wanting to clean the trans cause it was a filthy mess and I didn't want to install it like that. So I cleaned it, then used an assortment of wire-wheels on the drill to take off the casting marks, then I used 3M sanding discs (they're sort'a like Scotch-brite pads) on the drill to smooth it some more, then it was time for several steps of hand sanding - 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, then 1500. After that I used a buffing wheel on the drill and some polishing compound to get the shine.
It's much more shiny in real life (lighting situation wasn't the greatest for pics), but it's definately not a professional looking job - I just didn't have the time to invest in that type of quality - as it is there's about 14 hours into that (off and on). And yes......., my hands hurt!

subs1000w

wow i never thought anyone would do that

it looks good although proboly not worth the time

Matt93SE

iTrader: (44)

You = insane.

cool, but still insane.

shvelle

I would agree that it's not worth the time - especially on a daily driver. However, I have this thing where I can't leave well enough alone, and I can't leave aluminum in it's 'raw' state, knowing that it can soooo shiny. Mmmmmm......, shiny....

I have started to polish the entire upper intake as well, and I have plans to relocate the battery and make my own stainless CAI that runs where the battery used to be. This should provide a relatively clear view of the trans once I'm done - so leaving a dirty trans wasn't an option. Once I'm done polishing everything and installing it all, I'll try to post pics. Hopefully it all ties together well in the end.

I'm not insane........ Just a little bored.

Cliff Clavin

iTrader: (11)

Crap, you must have some cold, boring nights up there in Canada!

That looks really nice. Too bad the crap from the road will probably coat it with goo and road grime again 6 months after you start driving it.

Michael

iTrader: (21)

NICE!!! that would be really cool on a show car. On a driver probably a pain because it will tarnish unless you polish it regularly. Heck after all that trouble maybe you should clear coat it. That way all you have to do is hose it off.

It looks awesome regardless and wish I had the patience or focus to do it. I get bored too easy and would quit half way through...you know like my car lol.

Greeny

iTrader: (43)

That is wayyyy more then a "little" bored....

goon9

iTrader: (13)

Ur mad, but you do great work! Not many ppl would of dealt the the rust you went through.

shvelle

Micheal, I can't really clear it cause I didn't have the means to clean it properly ALL over (long story....). So the clear would quickly start to peel because it wouldn't stick to the greasy parts. Another thing about clearing polished aluminum is that it takes a lot of the shine away. I was also a little worried about the clear turning yellow from the heat. I know it can be done, and I did actually consider clearing it, but in the end I think it'll work-out better if I just keep it natural for the time being. There's a company called ZOOPS that sells an aluminum sealer that lasts up to 2 years, but it's a pain to apply properly and is relatively expensive. Like I said b4, with my engine bay plans, I should have enough room to easily apply a new coat of polish every now and then - so I hope it would be that much of a pain. Only time will tell tho.
And this should make you happy.... Everything I do on the Max (welding, body, paint, fiberglassing, upholstery, mods, etc) is just a learning experience for the Chevelle (if I ever get a place to work on it that is ). So you can bet the trans will be polished to a high sheen on that one! I've also seen the stuff you do, and I have complete confindence that you would complete something like this and that it would look 10x's better than mine does! Your stuff always look incredible!

therealgoon9, thanks for the compliment. At the time I didn't have a choice BUT to deal with the rust (unfortunately). I look back on some of those pics and cringe cause I was teaching myself how to weld (my welding has improved since then). But hey...., gotta start somewhere, right?

Maximan190

iTrader: (8)

i did this to a ton of misc parts around my engine bay, but when it was all polished down i sprayed them all with high temp clear engine enamel. If you paint it carefully (ie light coats on a dry day) it comes out good

shvelle

I updated the link with more pics - b4 pics and another intake peice I polished awhile ago. I also put a finished (sort'a) pic of the custom center console trim peice I was working on (pg.8).

mtcookson

iTrader: (2)

borg warner trannies don't deserve that kind of treatment... but it does look good

nice job!

-shock211-

iTrader: (1)

looks great!!!
i may have to do this when i replace the clutch & flywheel next spring

oh,
i haven't forgot about the tranny mounts. just been very busy working on everyone elses maxima but mine.
we'll be in touch on tmec.

T93Max

DANG!! that is one shiny tranny. i hope i work as well as it look.

MethMax

wow I really like how the intake piece looks, I might have to hook up the xtra pieces I have some time but definitly not by hand. NICE JOB.

PunkFriday

WOW. that is nice.

TSoprano

iTrader: (20)

Thats some nice work you did there... especially on a 14 yr. old daily driver..

shvelle

Thanks guys! Updated with better pics now.

http://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/376954/9