TOPIC:

I've decided that I don't want to paint the engine black. I want to strip the cruddy paint and dirt that is on it and clean it up to the factory look. What is the best method or material to get it this way?

I will have the bottom end stripped off in a few days. I'm replacing all the gaskets and seals anyways.

Thanks

I'm thinking you're a bit of a purist and are trying to restore back to original so I would suggest seeing if you can find someone who specializes in soda blasting. It's a process that uses sodium bicarbonate pellets to remove debris and paint. Some systems use air and sodium bicarb pellets, some use water and sodium bicarbonate. There's a youtube video showing the stripping of a 1960 Cadillac down to bare metal and ready for paint in 45 minutes. It's a process used on airplanes for paint removal since it doesn't cause distortion of the base material. Although not as common now as back in the 1990's dental hygienists used a tool called a Prophy jet to clean and polish your teeth. It's soda blasting on a smaller scale.

You're in Nova Scotia so you should have access to Princess Auto. They apparently now carry sodium bicarbonate and equipment for soda blasting. Media blasting is starting to become a thing of the past due to health issues when silica sand breaks down and gets airborne.

Anyway, some thoughts for you to ponder on.
KB

would the soda pellets work in a normal blaster cabinet ?

Thanks Kawboy. I think this is the route I am going to take. You are right about Princess Auto. It will cost about $400 for the gear but then I can do whatever I want whenever I want.

Kwak1261: I'm pretty sure I read you can buy an adapter to use soda with regular media blasters.

I have just soda blasted my motor for a High temp paint job, it turned out like factory finish .. worth every penny..

Lookin' good there Mister.