Has anyone had this done, or know if there is a service that does it on a core exchange basis? As long as i am deep into the current project and won't have it back on the street for a few more weeks, this would be a good time to do it.

Anyone used these folks:

https://www.mirrorfinishpolishing.co...ZDA-RX7-1.HTML

 

I preferred the looks of polishing but I was coward in the face of the maintenance. So I just had mine powder coated. The brightness has faded a bit with age (about 10 years now) but still looks better than the raw metal I had. I guess I could have it re-done if it really bothered me. Turn around was just a week or two to have it done locally.
I know that’s not what you were asking but just thought I’d throw it out and give a free bump

 

Thx Sgtblue. I am going to clear coat it (rattle can gloss clear) so should take care of the maintenance.

The powder coating is a good idea - did you have to sand it smooth or did the shop do it, or does the powder fill in the casting graininess?

 

The PC filled in the porous surface. It’s smooth and easy enough to clean. I’m not certain what prep work went into it. The only thing I did was separate the housing from everything else. And while it was out I painted the part of stator that shows.

Just thinking out loud if you rattle can a clear, I’d try to find something that can take the heat. I think that’s what has caused my PC to dull some over time.

 

There are also ceramic coatings that are shiny like polished aluminum.

BTW with coatings/paint you have to make sure that the mounting ears stay raw, the alternator grounds out through its body. If that is coated the alternator is no worky.

Polished aluminum looks great but it will oxidize over time. I don't know if I'd trust a rattle can clear to preserve it. Maybe spraying with an adhesion promotor and real 2k rattle can clear (the kind where you puncture the bladder in the can) may work.

Dale