ZF polish

Purchased a '72 with a bent rod in '99. While the engine was being rebuilt (377 stroker) I spent over 40 hours polishing the ZF. Gave up, never could get all the small places created by the webbing polished. I owned a shop at the time and had all proper equipment. It is just a PITA.

I have done this this project and it is a huge job. You really need to have the transaxle case all broke apart. As far as getting in the webbing I used a dremel "cone" tip on a larger air tool. The actaul Dremel is not powerful enough. You have to cram the tip on the air tool and duct tape the tip. Be really, really careful when you start to polish. The tips do not last real long (probally 3 little squares per tip). The tips will come loose from the air tool and will fly off so watch the tip. If you don't pay attention you will grind right into the case and have to start all over again now working out a scratch. Just have lots of patients when doing this and it will look great when you are finished! Once you complete the whole process then go back over the areas with an actual dremel and cone tips for the final polish! Lastly, once back in the car, you will need to maintain the tranaxle often ( at least once a month)for it to keep it's luster. Use either Blue Magic, Never Dull Wadding compound or a Mother polish. If you do not keep up with it, the transaxle will loose it's luster and it is a _itch to get it back like new!

Good Luck.

I think I saw once where someone had the ZF case powder coated. Anyone have any experience with this? Like you, I wonder if I am better off just to leave it alone.

Cousteau.......it's a long messy job. Go buy Eastwoods intake manifold kit, go buy Chicago Pneumatic's 2" orbital air sander, go buy dust masks, apron, rubber gloves, floppy hat, eye protection, 200, 400, 600 and 800 grit sand paper with hook and loop backing. Prepare for your work area and everything around your work area to become a black dust mess for a few weeks. Go get a work bench and a well padded stool to sit on on. You will spend a lot of time hunched over the ZF with hi-speed drill or Dremel in hand. Me, I had two 2800 rpm or better hand drills and a dremel chucked up with different sanding or polishing attachments ready to go at all times. I would suggest that you send the bell housing off to a polishing shop while you are working on the ZF. I tried using the two part POR-15 clear coat, liked it's protection but didn't like the look. Used the ZOOP seal kit, loved the look, but it offers no scratch protection.