anybody ever polish their anodized aluminum grille?

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Just wondering if it can be done on a stock grille. I would think it's too fragile to put a buffing wheel on. Any methods?

[joe231]

LILRED and I were just discussing this, you would need to try to strip the factory anodizing off of it, he has found info that easy-off oven cleaner is supposed to work to strip it. then i think if you used light pressure and were very, very careful, you could do it on a wheel....i am going to try it first on the factory anodized custom cab sails.....i was also wondering about a clear powder coat over them to make them maintenance free for years

[502tripower]

Originally Posted by joe231

LILRED and I were just discussing this, you would need to try to strip the factory anodizing off of it, he has found info that easy-off oven cleaner is supposed to work to strip it. then i think if you used light pressure and were very, very careful, you could do it on a wheel....i am going to try it first on the factory anodized custom cab sails.....i was also wondering about a clear powder coat over them to make them maintenance free for years

The oven cleaner will strip the anodizing and then get to work with the elbo grease. If you have any scratches you can sand them out with the same paper that you would use to color sand paint. Then use a good metal polish. I have tried the clear powder in the past on polished items and it will yellow in some cases. Also if there is any poris imperfections in the extrusions the heat from the powder coating process crates a gas and you will end up with bubbles in the finish. Good Luck with the process. It is done everyday...

[joe231]

thanks 502!

[Rogue]

I plan on polishing the '63 grill and the body trim too.

But then again I have some experience polishing.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

you polished that???? I'm tired just thinking about.
I gotta go take a nap.

[LILRED66]

Originally Posted by Rogue

I plan on polishing the '63 grill and the body trim too.

But then again I have some experience polishing.

Rogue:

With your wealth of experience, can you share any tips or insight on rejuvenating the factory anodized aluminun items on these trucks?

[Rogue]

Lots of Elbow Grease and good polish.
On the aircraft we used Nuvite and a Cyclo doublehead orbital polisher.
http://www.nuvitechemical.com/Products.asp?ProductID=17
Used on mostly large flat areas though, I plan to use a regular buffing wheel on the trim, and a ball on the grill.

Lots of good info on the information super highway.
here's a good place to start.
http://www.englishcustompolishing.com/

Also check the swapmeets, there is usually a polishing guy at them.

[4dranch]

Originally Posted by Rogue

Lots of Elbow Grease and good polish.
On the aircraft we used Nuvite and a Cyclo doublehead orbital polisher.
http://www.nuvitechemical.com/Products.asp?ProductID=17
Used on mostly large flat areas though, I plan to use a regular buffing wheel on the trim, and a ball on the grill.

Lots of good info on the information super highway.
here's a good place to start.
http://www.englishcustompolishing.com/

Also check the swapmeets, there is usually a polishing guy at them.

Nice info. thanks for sharing.

[TT_6SPD_95]

Originally Posted by 63 & 64 Bowties

Just wondering if it can be done on a stock grille. I would think it's too fragile to put a buffing wheel on. Any methods?

This can most definitely be done to a beautiful Mirror Finish if done properly. What kind of tooling do you have available to you?



_____________________
Tony Brock
Mirror Finish Polishing
www.mirrorfinishpolishing.com

phone: 816-529-6089
e-mail: sales@mirrorfinishpolishing.com

[retodd7711]

I've had real good lick using the guys at truck stops to polish my aluminum tanks and wheels on my semi.
I'm not exactly sure exactly where you are at, but ask a truck driver.
Most of these guys are pretty reasonable and they polish aluminum for a living.
$5-$10 a wheel.
150 gallon tanks usually start at $20 depending on condition.
Might be worth checking into.

[rcrahn]

I won't say you can't polish your trim but the issue later is it will form an oxide layer and eventually dull. That is the reason clear anodizing is used. To protect the shine.
If you want your truck grille polished and anodized I highly recommend King of Trim located in North Hollywood, CA.
http://www.kingoftrim.com/home.html
They polished and anodized 4 wheel well trim moldings for my 1969 firebird and they came out fabulous. Not cheap at all, but definetly worth it.
Ask for Marcos.

Man, that P51 is a beauty! Must have been hours and hours to to polish. Would love to see that up close. Ever come up the San Jose area?