Finish alloy components?

[Giff]

What is the best way to finish a freshly cleaned alloy part?
Would a flywheel casting originaly have had a coat of laquer to give it a durable finish or am I missing something? How do you keep your alloy castings corrosion free without resorting to the tin of engine green paint? Do I need to invest in some anodising kit?

[mk1]

I always do all my engine/gearbox assembly with engine green as it came out of the factory as I'm not a great fan of the alloy clutch housing & gearbox look, but that's just my personal taste.

I reckon that any sort of lacquer will just chip & flake making your alloy bits look a right mess before too long. I know that all the alloy parts on "the best 1070 in the world" have all been powder coated silver which is probably more durable, but once again to my taste looks odd.

Seriously, anodising could be your best option if you are after a permanently shiny silver look. Although getting the anodising to "take" over such a large variable area could be very tricky. I guess the best bet is to ask a man who can do it.

[Tim]

POR 15 make a clear finish for aluminium called glisten. I've never used it so can't comment on their claims, but its great stuff (according to their website).

http://www.por15.com/GLISTEN-PC/productinfo/GPCGG/

Tim

[Jack of all trades]

Alloy always starts to oxydise just after you polised it (altough you can´t see it yet)
To stop the process use Alodine 1200 (but this is highly toxic as it contains chromats)
After the alodine you can leave it as is or apply a clear topcoat.
And hey Bobs your uncle.

[COOPERCO]

I just spray mine over with WD40 or GT85 & wipe off the excess. It then gets an extra heavy coat in the winter to protect it whilst standing. The bottom of the engine will take care of itself when the leaks start

[Giff]

Quite a lot to think about there.
POR15 do make some fantastic products so I wouldnt doubt their claims.
I think I will still get some quotes for having the larger parts anodised and then probably end up painting them..