Have made a coffee table out of a v8 rover block Looks Good) if i say so my self. Now i have to make one for my daughter and my son so what is the best way of cleaning them, last time i shotblasted it but there must be a easier way.

wow! any piccies ?

Brake cleaner. Thats how i did mine

Pay someone!


Okay then throw in a big bucket with drain cleaner

Scotchbrite dipped in paraffin then clean off with a spray of brake cleaner

I saw one and it looked dead impressive with the pistons and rods on top of the block with a glass surface.


Ahh found it.....
Linky

Will a vodka bottle fit in the bores?

Not just one she can get 8 in it.

steam clean it or take it to the local jet wash with some gunk and a brush

Try using a toilet cleaner - something like Harpic Power Plus - with a fine scouring pad and toothbrush to get into all the crevices.
Cheers, Pewe

I suspect blasting is the easiest way....all that using scourers/toothbrushes seems like hard work......cheaper, but hard work. And if you can get it vapour blasted the stuff looks better than new.

Chemist here (albeit Redundant), with a recommendation for Phosphoric Acid.
Brings Ali up beautifully.

Nice one mm, I have used it one steel to get rid of rust and leave a phosphated finish but never tried it on ali. Must give it a go.

[Edited on 2/11/09 by Confused but excited.]

Another vote for Phosphoric acid, I got 5litres from a local janitorial suppliers. Auto Glym ally wheel cleaner has Phosphoric acid in it, (plus anti corrosion agents) but don't know at what strength.