Clear over polished grille

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Relative to my current project at GM: we are using CNC billet polished aluminum for the bright exterior trim (body side moldings, window trim, etc).

We used clear powdercoat over the aluminum (which is the production process for aluminum wheels) but are gravitating towards using automotive clear paint over the aluminum, which gives us a little bit smoother finish.

K

I read here that the auto clear failed. Never tried it myself though.
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[67swb72klb]

Good news! Does the truck spend a lot of time outside?

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by 67swb72klb

Good news! Does the truck spend a lot of time outside?

Stored inside overnight. I drive it at least a few times a week if weather is nice.
All I know is it was a bear to keep up with before I coated it.
Would darken and dull up in a week or two. Was really sick of buffing it all the time.
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[rockyrivermark]

Update:
5 months later and the grill looks the same.
Shiny and bright.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by rockyrivermark

Update:
5 months later and the grill looks the same.
Shiny and bright.

Liking this. May help save my original GM trim on '71 Chevelle lower rocker moldings. Only available on line, any local purchase options?

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by Ironhorse

Liking this. May help save my original GM trim on '71 Chevelle lower rocker moldings. Only available on line, any local purchase options?

Not sure if it's in stores. Google them and see if it stocked in your area.
I got mine from Amazon. Prime and had it in 2 days.
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[saxart]

This is great news, thanks for the updates.

Question: Did you paint the black trim accents on the grill BEFORE the clear coat, or AFTER? I have a grill that will need this done to it and want to make sure its done in the correct order.

[rockyrivermark]

Originally Posted by saxart

This is great news, thanks for the updates.

Question: Did you paint the black trim accents on the grill BEFORE the clear coat, or AFTER? I have a grill that will need this done to it and want to make sure its done in the correct order.

Posted via Mobile Device

[rockyrivermark]

I painted that before.
One thread I read was to just spray over the letters and wipe overspray off with Laquar thinner. I didn't have any luck with that at all. Mess.
I masked mine off and cleaned up anything that got here I didn't want it with thinner and rag.
I think brothers trucks sells the Chevrolet details also.
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[saxart]

Originally Posted by rockyrivermark

I painted that before.
One thread I read was to just spray over the letters and wipe overspray off with Laquar thinner. I didn't have any luck with that at all. Mess.
I masked mine off and cleaned up anything that got here I didn't want it with thinner and rag.
I think brothers trucks sells the Chevrolet details also.
Posted via Mobile Device

Ok, that helps alot...

So, here's the game-plan. Polish the &%$# out of the grill. "Wash in baking soda/H2O, wipe with denatured alcohol, paint black letters/striping, and final coat with the clear.

Sound legit?

[custom10nut]

Is there a place to get Everbrite, other than Amazon? Do Hardware or Home Improvement stores (HD or L's) carry it?
I'm about to pull all my trim and start to polishing

[mgore68]

Tagging in here myself as I am in the process of trying to shine up a 69 grill.

[davepl]

Are the GMC ones different because they're chromed steel and not aluminum perhaps? Mine says pretty much perfect and all I have to do is dust it now and then!

What is the actual surface? I thought my own '69 had some anodizing on it so you couldn't actually polish it....

[custom10nut]

Well, Advance doesn't carry it. And neither does NAPA. I think I read once that Home Depot has it. True or false?

[rockyrivermark]

I would think that it is doubtful Home Depot or Lowe's would carry it. Best to purchase from Amazon or online
Mark

[Ol Blue K20]

I bought Everbrite at O Reilys this morning.

[KevinK7]

Great results, going to follow this too ; )

[custom10nut]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I bought Everbrite at O Reilys this morning.

That's awesome! I have an O'Rielly's right around the corner.thanks for the info

[LH Lead-Foot]

Subscribed... Years of throwing hay, then wrenching for 29+, elbows hurt bad so I hate the idea of polishing, scrubbing and everything else involved. Will wait to see how the Everbrite works out as other product are closer to $80 or more.
Also, to "davepl" That photo of the front of the GMC is showroom great! Chrome, nickle or anodize, it all needs some help one day, but what ever your doing to the trim on that truck must be right.

Wish I had my old garage 28' x 32' x 12' ceiling, lost it since moving, now have 1 1/2 car garage under house. But filled up with all my tools, compressor, Juki sewing machine, table saw and multiple Snappy big boxes and wall space gone with room for two flies.

[LH Lead-Foot]

Subscribed... Years of throwing hay, then wrenching for 29+, elbows hurt bad so I hate the idea of polishing, scrubbing and everything else involved. Will wait to see how the Everbrite works out as other product are closer to $80 or more.
Also, to "davepl" That photo of the front of the GMC is showroom great! Chrome, nickle or anodize, it all needs some help one day, but what ever your doing to the trim on that truck must be right.

Wish I had my old garage 28' x 32' x 12' ceiling, lost it since moving, now have 1 1/2 car garage under house. But filled up with all my tools, compressor, Juki sewing machine, table saw and multiple Snappy big boxes and wall space gone with room for two flies.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by Keith Seymore

Relative to my current project at GM: we are using CNC billet polished aluminum for the bright exterior trim (body side moldings, window trim, etc).

We used clear powdercoat over the aluminum (which is the production process for aluminum wheels) but are gravitating towards using automotive clear paint over the aluminum, which gives us a little bit smoother finish.

K

Originally Posted by rockyrivermark

I read here that the auto clear failed. Never tried it myself though.
Posted via Mobile Device

Update on the GM project: we ended up using the automotive clear but it is very dependent on the cleaning/prep process.

One supplier resulted in peeled clearcoat when pulling the protective tape, while a second supplier had no issues.

K

[66c10Steve]

Hi Mark,

I'm resurrecting this thread to ask what the long term results were of the ProtectaClear finish holding up....thanks in advance.

[phase_one]

great information
thanks

[May70]

Ill just throw my little knowledge on the subject which I think could be used in this application.

This exact goal has been highly desirable in the aftermarket wheel realm in modern cars and the aftermarket wheel demand. The problem is a lot of these wheels do not come with a good (or sometimes no) coating. So they look great but as soon as the elements hit them, the finish (polished surface) dulls quick. Sometimes the wheels them selves cost thousands each. People spending all that money are all having their wheels polished and then clear coated with a two stage automotive clear. Do not buy a cheap clear because it will have problems quickly.

I would look into other forums where they do a lot of custom wheels. Maybe (I hate to say it) one of the honda forums or something. That seems to be all the craze, wheels on those little cars bent side ways. Or the "off road truck" forums where the dudes put 12" lifts and huge wheels on their parking lot queen trucks. See what those guys are doing DIY.

I have a friend that several people have brought new aftermarket wheels to and the first thing they have him do is clean, prep and clear. It keeps the finish very nice much longer and you have a good clear coat buffer for scratches.

I used sherwin williams brand automotive clear 2 part and its held up great on my boat. Which BAKES in the sun. Wouldn't think twice about using it on some trim. Just remember you have to have a mechanical or chemical bond either way.

[basketcase]

I just added this to my Amazon wish list so I don't forget about it.

Tom