Any comments on aqua vapor blasting on engine cases etc...

Boxler 65 Dream 305 · Post by **Boxler 65 Dream 305** » Thu Jun 27, 2013 2:43 pm

I heard of a process called aqua vapor blasting, some type of bead blasting with air,water and blast media combined. Supposed to leave a factory appearance on certain steel and aluminum parts. Im considering having this process done on my 1965 honda 305 dreams engine cases and cylinders and heads and maybe other items like wheel hubs etc... Has anyone had any experience with this process or what the finished result looks like?

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Thu Jun 27, 2013 8:10 pm

Reduces the abrasiveness of whatever media you are using. Problem because it is done with water is is hard to recover the media as in dry blasting. Somewhat similar to using walnut shells dry.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 8:23 am

Excellent results in my opinion. What I like is that the surface does not pick up fingerprints or oil stains like other processes that leave the pores of the aluminum open.

Kawasaki KZ900 Engine Before -

After-

Boxler 65 Dream 305 · Post by **Boxler 65 Dream 305** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:19 am

That looks real nice. Im told no need to clear coat or lacquer after vapor blasting. Is this correct? If you dont mind could you let me know where you had the vapor blasting done and a ballpark idea what the vapor blasting you had done on all the stuff in your pictures cost. Im thinking of doing the almost the whole engine and wheel hubs and maybe a few other small items. Thanks for the reply and pictures, very helpful in helping me make a decision.

Hahnda · Post by **Hahnda** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:27 am

No clear coat or any coating needed.

I had the parts done at http://www.ricerelics.com/

I had $100 shipping each way. They charge by the hour. The cleaner and smaller the part the less it will cost. I had just over $400 into labor charges for these parts. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

Boxler 65 Dream 305 · Post by **Boxler 65 Dream 305** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:42 am

thanks for the info, I will post results when the stuff gets done

Boxler 65 Dream 305 · Post by **Boxler 65 Dream 305** » Fri Jun 28, 2013 10:48 am

I found two other places that do vapor blasting on google. Green Tree Scooters in Iowa and Arnolds design in Pennsylvania. PA is relatively close which would cut down on shipping cost. Any one have any experience with these guys?