Transmission box prep for paint

[RestoreThemAll]

I'm preping for paint the trans./OD. The aluminum OD and Bell housing came clean nicely. The iron transmission still looks grease soaked. I think it's a bad idea to take the OD off if I don't need to. Does anyone have a suggestion for the best way to prep the box so that the paint stays on? Soda blasting maybe? I've used degreaser and brake cleaner.

Dale

 

[57_BN4]

Sodium hydroxide does a mint job of cleaning oil out of cast surfaces, particularly if luke warm. If you have ever seen an engine come out of a reconditioners hot tank it is a perfect surface for painting.

Downside is that it eats aluminium (slowly) so you can't dip ali parts or they eventually disappear. A few splashes while cleaning the parts around the ali won't hurt though.

Another good degreaser is methylene chloride paint stripper although it isn't the healthiest stuff to work with.

Andy.

 

[John Turney]

Sodium hydroxide isn't too healthy either. Make sure you wear long rubber gloves and a splash shield for your eyes.

 

[Superwrench]

Use brake cleaner and something like simple green and get them clean enough to eat off of. Then get a hold of Eastwood products and order a can of self-etching primer. It is the same as wash-primer that body shops and industry uses. It will etch into the alum. and the cast iron and stick like glue. When you apply your classic green it will last and last. Good luck, Bob

 

[bob hughes]

I just used paint thinners after a general degrease with a degreasing agent, worked for me.

 

[RestoreThemAll]

I used simple green and brake cleaner before. It took most of the grease away. I'll try the sodium hydroxide...with rubber gloves and eye protection. I have some self etching primer. Should be all set now. Thanks for the tips!!
Dale