Anyone have any experience with restoring a splitcase gearbox? Ive just had all the internals rebuilt, but the outside still has 50 years of various paint finishes etc.. Can these be blasted back to unfinished alloy or is it best to use a paint stripper? Any advice would be appreciated. It is now perfect internally, but doesnt look great externally..... Also, can anyone recommend a nickel/cad plater in Melbourne for small parts?

would probably try pressure cleaner first and see what comes off

Get the case soda blasted, it will cause no damage to any surfaces inside or out and it will look like new again