What Do You Use To Polish This?

[magwakeenercew2jh]

I seem to have a bunch of stuff that *claims* to polish aluminum.

But, try as I may with any of it, I can't get close to the nice luster that the stock grill had when it came back from the repairs/polisher when the build was going on.

I have a hand-held buffer with pads, and I'd be good with taping off the grill and surrounding paintwork if I thought I could get a little more clean-up on it.

I know it's silly. But sometimes I like stuff shiny.

[brown7373]

Not sure you really can. It is anodized aluminum, not stainless. Buffing might improve it though, if you get the anodizing off.

[magwakeenercew2jh]

It's bare metal now....The way it is in the second pic.....so, no anodizing is on there to screw up the polishing process. If I could figure out what works best to do the job, that is.

[EARNHARDT#3]

I've always had great results with mothers metal polish.

[geezer#99]

I've used stuff from here with good results.
If you use the right buffing compounds and polishes it comes out shiny.
http://www.eastwood.com/autobody/buffing.html

[Boog]

Bill i used to use Happich semichrome polish on bout everything. Im not sure its still available. Most any metal polish will help it some .

[dads71bigblock]

I have tried polishing outer grills, no luck, so I have been scuffing with scotch brite then epoxy primer then shooting on silver paint (good quality ppg) they look good.

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

I've used stuff from here with good results.
If you use the right buffing compounds and polishes it comes out shiny.
http://www.eastwood.com/autobody/buffing.html

X2...

Get it as smooth as you can with 1200 grit or finer wet/dry sandpaper first. Then use the Eastwood compounds. Use a bench buffer if you can take the grille off and manhandle it yourself well enough to avoid damage (or have a helper with steady hands).

[Fatherflash]

Uummm....maybe consider toothpaste? It is very mild and some brands have materials that are basically abrasive. Seen it done with impressive results. If you do this, try it on a test piece if possible first.

[Mapearso]

Originally Posted by brown7373

Not sure you really can. It is anodized aluminum, not stainless. Buffing might improve it though, if you get the anodizing off.

^^^^^
This. It's anodized. You need to remove it, using oven cleaner or sandpaper or whatever. THEN you buff it and the shine will come back

BUT... you'll also have to continue to buff and maintain it to keep it shiny...

[67 chevelle]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/WHITE-DIAMON...3b780c&vxp=mtr

[70 shop truck]

If you use oven cleaner do you just spray it on or do I need to scrub with a plastic brush?

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by Mapearso

This. It's anodized. You need to remove it, using oven cleaner or sandpaper or whatever. THEN you buff it and the shine will come back
BUT... you'll also have to continue to buff and maintain it to keep it shiny...

It's not anodized.
See Post #3.

Now, it's about the "...buff and maintain".

I like shiny. It was really shiny when I first installed it. I don't like shiny enough to remove it.
What a PIA.....But, that WOULD be the right way to do it.

I bought some White Diamond on line that I'll try when it comes.
Then, maybe I'll get some Happich to have on the shelf, too.

Good tips. Thanks, all.

[shawno72]

Just use spit

[magwakeenercew2jh]

Originally Posted by shawno72

Just use spit

Hey, Shawno.

[shawno72]

Originally Posted by magwakeenercew2jh

Hey, Shawno.

Haha. Ok this is no help but some assurance that it can be polished up nicely. The 70 I just had a highly polished grille. The po stated it was dented up prerty bad and he took it some good ole boy who straightened it and polished it and it looks great. Don't know what he did but sounds like maybe an old school method.

[Orence1]

Because you don't want to disassemble the grill unit, I have a suggestion. I purchased some 2" felt buffing pads from Harbor Freight and used them with my air angle dye grinder. Used Mothers metal polish. I restored all of the windshield and rear window trim with this system. The trim looks brand new. I realize that the window trim is stainless and the grill surround is aluminum but I suspect with the anodizing gone you should get good results. This assumes you have a compressor for the dye grinder. I have not tried it with an electric drill which spins more slowly but I am sure it would be better than hand rubbing. Pads will build up a residue as you work but there should be more than enough in the kit to finish the grill shell. Here is a link to the pads on Harbor Freight's web site:

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-...kit-95993.html

[tranz am]

Progressively sand it with 1200,1500 and 2000. grab a can of Mothers and some rags and have at it! Cheers!

[bonesj89]

i build and restore harleys here in Australia i use a product called "silvo" it comes in a blue and silver tin. basically you just paint it on let it dry then wipe it off with a dry cloth works an absolute treat on most chrome or alloy surfaces. im not sure if it available in the states but here you can get it at most grocery stores. try it it out if you can find it

[GRX]

As always. When polishing anything follow the golden rule ... clean between the grits!

You won't get anywhere with 2,000 if your work piece and/or buffing wheel is contaminated with 1,200.

My preference is Jeweler's rouge. Bars of varying grits really cheap.
>> http://www.riogrande.com/Search/rouge

[tranz am]

forgot to mention the importance of this! Good call!

Originally Posted by GRX

As always. When polishing anything follow the golden rule ... clean between the grits!

You won't get anywhere with 2,000 if your work piece and/or buffing wheel is contaminated with 1,200.

My preference is Jeweler's rouge. Bars of varying grits really cheap.
>> http://www.riogrande.com/Search/rouge

[NC_John]

I did wetsanding with 400, 600, 800, 1200, 2,000 and then 3,000 grit. When you think it looks good enough with any of the grits, do it two more times. Then do it again.

Then two steps of rouge with a drill and pads. The mothers polish applied by machine and then hand. I bet I have 8-12 hours into polishing mine, easy.

I'm really good at it but I hate polishing stuff.

[yellowGT]

Elbow grease