As-cast finish valve covers for SBF?

[tinman_72]

I have always thought natural aluminum finish (to match non-polished aluminum intake and heads) valve covers would look sweet on a engine. I am in the process of collecting parts for my '71 351W for my '72 F100. As-cast valve covers are all over the internet for Mopar and GM but not Ford.

I have a set of cast aluminum valve covers that are painted or powdercoated black. Does anyone know if I could strip the coating off and somehow work the surface to look like as-cast? Maybe sandblasting them or some kind of chemical treatment? I tried to Google it but I just get a million results on how to polish aluminum.

Edit: I did find a few such as these Trick-Flow covers at Summit Racing, but I do not want any text or logos other than "Ford" or "Power by Ford". Yes I could sand or machine the logo off but then there would be a smooth surface left and I would be in the same boat.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Early 80's Mustangs had simple plain aluminum finned covers that said "power by Ford"

https://st.hotrod.com/uploads/sites/21/2016/06/106962721.jpg

 

[Bird76Mojo]

I've had good luck using "Aircraft stripper" from Autozone to remove powdercoat in the past. It may take multiple applications in certain areas where it sticks a little better, but it's worked for me. After that, go from there. The finish may be what you want. If not, have them blasted with a course media. Glass bead media should provide the finish you want. For a while it will look cleaner than your intake's finish but give it time and they should match pretty well.

 

[tinman_72]

Those Mustang valve covers would have been my first choice but I forgot to mention that they have to be tall valve covers to clear my roller rockers.
Glass bead blasting sounds like it may be the way to go, thanks.

 

[Bird76Mojo]

Come to think of it, blasting with aluminum oxide should provide the roughest finish from my experience.