I have a set of 1970 340 exhaust manifolds that back in the day were ground smoothe and chromed! I want to try to restore them and use on my T/A to replace the Hooker's and return the engine bay back to more stock looking. My question is how to get rid of the chrome and is there a way to restore the rough cast look? Replacing the manifolds is way to pricey. I have seen $500 and $600 at a recent swap meet for a pair!

Are the numbers ground off? If so why bother?

Removing chrome can be difficult, a chrome shop can reverse the chrome process and remove the chrome (the top clear color over the nickel and copper) but it won't usually remove the nickel and copper plate, that needs to be mechanically stripped (grinding, sand blasting, etc.). you can re-texture cast iron a few ways, none will likely be absalutely convincing as far as originallity but could look close. A needle scaler will do it and so will sand blasting to a point.

My advice? Sell them to a hot rod guy (no they won't bring as much as nice originals) take the loss and step up to a nice pair of unmodified originals.

Scott nailed it. Undoing the polishing & chroming still won't give you the correct look, and would be too much bother & expense; better to sell yours and shop around. Some Chevy guy probably has a pair he'd take $100 for. I'm not slamming Chevy guys, but there are deals to be had on almost anything if you have the time and look around.

Sell the chrome manifolds, if they're nice, they'll sell, sell the Hookers as well, the cash made, invest in a set of NEW/repro 340 manifolds from Snobar..for $550, plus you'll need the heat shield, that's another $150 IIRC.....340 stuff ain't cheap

The reproductions I saw lacked correct casting numbers, dates, etc. I wouldn't pay that kind of money for a part unless it was spot on. Nice originals are out there all the time for the same money or less and will hold thier value better than reproductions will

Thanks for the ideas. Your right, the #'s have been ground off and having the correct ones is my first choice. The T/A is very nice with the exception of the engine compartment. It had been used as a show car in the mid to late '70s so nearly everything that can be removed was chromed, even the front suspension! Pretty hot in the day I suppose but I prefer the stock look. I also think it will be more valuable that way. Anyone with date correct small block engine accessories? I'm buying!