Who knows how to polish a grill?

[LennyGB53]

I need an answer about polishing a grill. I purchased a used grill for a 1969 C10. It's in pretty good shape but, it's a bit dull. There are a few scratches in it. I want to polish it up and use it since my grill is full of small dents and dings. I would like this one to shine at least.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

[RaceAGMC]

You can start with some 400 grit sandpaper or maybe something a lil finer depending on how dull the grille is. Then step up to 800 wet, then 1000 wet and so on, you can go all the way to 1500-2000 wet, then you can hit it with some polishing compound and a polishing wheel on a drill. Beware: this will take HOURS to get the finish you are looking for, but it is worth it.

[eightbanger]

I saw something on YouTube a while back (which I neglected to save to favorites) were this guy had mixed a few chemicals together which stripped back the anodised surface, then he hit the bare metal with a polishing compound on a rag and it came up great. And no sanding needed.

[eightbanger]

I FOUND IT AGAIN!!! Take a look.

YouTube- 63 impala video 49? POLISHING TRIM...

[my67chevytruck]

im going to have to try that hair and grease remover out....

[thepunisher]

Holy cow, that's awesome. I'd probably start with a shorter period of time and a little more elbow grease to make certain I don't permanently damage the part. But this is just amazing.

[BIGBLU 72]

if get that stuff on my paint is it gunna peel it off or anything like that?

[eightbanger]

Originally Posted by BIGBLU 72

if get that stuff on my paint is it gunna peel it off or anything like that?

I'd try it on a old piece of painted sheet metal first just to be on the safe side. Safest of all is to remove the trim from the body.

[gonzo6869]

Before you do this, take the grill off the truck, it’s a lot easier and that way you won’t ruin your paint. You can use Easy Off (the oven cleaner), get a couple of cans, spray it on there, let it sit for 15-20min, rinse it off and repeat till the anodize is gone. Next hit it with fine sand paper to remove any scratches, then use a drill and some polishing compound (the white bar).

As mentioned, it will take some time to get it done, but when you’re finished you'll be happy. Once you have it all together, use mothers aluminum polish on it every couple of weeks to keep it glowin.

Have fun, don't rush it and you'll have a grill to be proud of.

[gkesseru]

How about clear coating it after it's polished? Maybe with a gloss lacquer, like Deft?

[LennyGB53]

thanks so much for all of the great ideas. I'm going to try it on a piece of scrap first. The grill isn't mounted yet so that isn't a problem for me. I also want to try the wet paper on the scratches.

Thanks again everyone...

[DT1]

I just finished my 71 C10 Grill. I went into detail here...http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=392112

[fjthompsoniii]

i second the easy off oven cleaner motion. the one thing no one has said is that if you deanodize the aluminum it will soften it to about beer can strength.

[gcburdic]

subscribed....good stuff here....Nigel....Thanks for the you tube post!!!...Is it irony that the song in the background of the you tube post is "What you see, is what you get!!"

[DARTMAN003]

what do you think about using it on wheels, like slots?