Has anyone restored their stock black intercooler?

[kycarguy 935]

Has anyone restored their stock intercooler back to it's original new looking condition? These seem to get a few scratches and fade some after time and I want to put it back to like new condition.

I recently bought a used stock i.c. to replace a stolen i.c. that scrap metal thieves stole to cash in for probably $5. at the local recycling center. The one I bought is nice put it needs a little encouragement. I figured I would ask you guys since somebody may have done it before.

What is the black coating? paint or anodizing?

Thanks in advance.

[DSPTurtle]

I stripped the paint off of mine with a combo of elbow grease, stripper and sandpaper, smoothed out the inside surfaces (not quite port and polished but got rid of all rough casting in the airstream) and then painted the exterior with semi-gloss black rustoleum. Came out pretty darn good.

[kycarguy 935]

Thanks for the information. I wasn't sure if these were painted or what the actual coating was.

[NathanUK]

Maybe you could get it powder coated.

[Miguel Antonett]

What about the intercooler rubber seal lip, How can you get the corners to stick back together?

[kycarguy 935]

Powder coating would be okay as long as it appears factory. I am not sure if it would help or hurt cooling anymore then a thin coat of paint would. Maybe other who have done this will see the thread and let us know.

[mppickett]

I cleaned it using careful application of spray disk brake cleaner and then repainted with semi-gloss black enamel. I restuck the corners using black RTV (silicone) held in place with masking tape until it set up.

[NathanUK]

Paint is supposed to help the cooling but as you say, I'm not sure about powder coating.