Car: 1987 IROC 305 TPI with factory a/c

I just recently found a big problem with my intake, so my friend and I decided to do a cam swap, replace the timing chain, balancer and water pump while we were replacing the lower manifold anyway.

I am looking at the water pump pulleys and the crank pulleys and I am noticing they have rust inside them. I am not sure this is the correct forum to ask for help but it kind of is for appearance but also for functionality. Cleaning the v belt valleys in the pulleys would look much nicer but also I hope to have less noise when the engine is operating.

I am not sure which method to use to clean them up. I was thinking maybe a die grinder tool with a wire brush attachment to polish inside the valleys and just paint the actual pulleys themselves. I searched but most people are ask about aftermarket pulleys. Spraying something in there would most likely cause belt slippage or noise.

 

Sandblast them. Reduces belt slippage too.

 

You can paint V-belt pulleys, but as a general rule, the paint is going to wear off the contact area under the belt. As long as the car is driven often enough the bare steel never really has a chance to rust. Similar to brake rotors in that manner.

 

I had mine blasted and powder coated. Like Drew said, there is still wear on the contact areas.

 

Sandblast and use this for paint.

 

I wish I had access to a sandblaster. I've been throwing the car back together and decided to paint the valve covers and runners and plenum. I really like this high temp VHT engine paint, "Cast Iron".

I probably will run the v belt valleys with sandpaper before putting the belts on.