Previous update: https://steemit.com/blog/@lostgeneration/project-vehicle-update-10
I apologize for the lack of updates, but I haven't been totally inactive. Here is an update to get you caught up on some. In the last update we left off with the extremely dirty NP-208 transfer case.
Removing all seals and bearings to begin the rough cleaning procedure, the unit was heavily encased in grease and road grime from over 30 years of service.
Since the case is aluminum and all of the bearings are removed, I was able to go ahead and do 3 washes with Dawn dishsoap and a scouring pad.
Unfortunately, I had to detail clean all the intricate corners and hard spots with Q tips and acetone. Sandblasting aluminum is a bad idea, leaving rice tumbling, which wouldn't have got those spots very well
Keeping things labeled is essential when you take apart things with 80+ parts.
The case was then washed quickly with acetone to finish degreasing and remove any left over detergents, which we dont want. All exposed surfaces were then painted with an enamel, several thick coats, which were brushed, not sprayed. In my experience, this holds up better to corrosion than say, spray paints.
Stay tuned for the next update, where we will see the final culmination of this leg of the journey.