Hi all,
A part of my rebuild I recently had my rocker covers powder coated, at a local firm who I’ve used previously. Because they’re mag alloy, they had them acid dipped, reckoning shot blasting would be too aggressive and erode the fins and other details away.
They came back looking ok at first glance, but on closer inspection the old paint clearly hadn’t been removed properly between the fins, particularly in the corners.
The guys said it would be a huge job cleaning them meticulously, putting the cost up. I said they’re going on a rebuild and need to look perfect… we agreed that if they had them dipped again, I’d scrape out the corners before taking them back for coating again.
The job is, frankly, impossible…..



You get the idea. I’ve tried a Stanley knife blade, screwdriver, small picks - it’s like trying to remove ancient chewing gum.
Has anyone got any advice? I feel a competent shot blaster, using the right medium and pressure, could remove it in minutes without compromising the metal. If not, are there any solvents I can use to loosen it up?
Also, the acid dipping has removed the paint from the inside of the covers too - I know there’s oil in the environment, but will they need coating to prevent internal corrosion?
I’m pulling my hair out here! As soon as they’re done I can see if the thing starts for the first time in two years!
Cheers
Mike
A part of my rebuild I recently had my rocker covers powder coated, at a local firm who I’ve used previously. Because they’re mag alloy, they had them acid dipped, reckoning shot blasting would be too aggressive and erode the fins and other details away.
They came back looking ok at first glance, but on closer inspection the old paint clearly hadn’t been removed properly between the fins, particularly in the corners.
The guys said it would be a huge job cleaning them meticulously, putting the cost up. I said they’re going on a rebuild and need to look perfect… we agreed that if they had them dipped again, I’d scrape out the corners before taking them back for coating again.
The job is, frankly, impossible…..



You get the idea. I’ve tried a Stanley knife blade, screwdriver, small picks - it’s like trying to remove ancient chewing gum.
Has anyone got any advice? I feel a competent shot blaster, using the right medium and pressure, could remove it in minutes without compromising the metal. If not, are there any solvents I can use to loosen it up?
Also, the acid dipping has removed the paint from the inside of the covers too - I know there’s oil in the environment, but will they need coating to prevent internal corrosion?
I’m pulling my hair out here! As soon as they’re done I can see if the thing starts for the first time in two years!
Cheers
Mike