Grille polishing

[dtkarst]

I've been trying to clean my aluminum grille for my 65 and don't have as nice as I'd like it. Could be being too picky but what has everyone else done to polish theirs up?
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[theastronaut]

I've used Wenol metal polish (red tube) and then wax on anodized aluminum and it worked good. It really depends on how faded the anodizing is though. Porsche reccomended petroleum jelly to protect the anodized finish of thier Fuchs wheels on 911 models.

[jayoldschool]

If the anodizing is really clouded, the only option to bring the shine back is to strip it and polish (or re-anodize). Once bare and polished, it will shine like new (or better), but will dull over time since it is raw metal.

[rs74]

What about Never Dull? That is what I use on some trim and aluminum.
http://www.nevrdull.com/page6.html

[Realnoisy]

I stripped the anodized aluminum with "Grease and Hair Removal" from Home Depot. Then, wet sanded working up with 400, 800,1000, 1500, & 2000 grit sand paper. I used toothbrush ends and Popsicle sticks to remove dents and sand out repairs. After sanding I polished with "Mother's" and finished it off by rubbing out with starch. I haven't cleared mine but you could if you wanted.

[theastronaut]

Originally Posted by rs74

What about Never Dull? That is what I use on some trim and aluminum.
http://www.nevrdull.com/page6.html

The never-dull wadding I've used before left scratches, the wadding pad was very rough.
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[dtkarst]

Its not too oxidized but needs cleaned to bring it full potential. I used some mothers metal/aluminum polish but didnt do much. Chrome polish did th emost and it still wasnt the best. Im probably being picky, Ill take some pictures of it before I work on it again and do some work to it then take some after pictures and post them

[HOTFUN]

I now have my two NOS grilles for my trucks and both are nice GM anodized original nos but sure leave a lot to be desired for the somewhat dull anodized finish, roughness, and scratches in the anodizing process. This just was the way GM sold them over the parts counter back in the 80's. If I was going to tackle this again, I would find the nicest used grille and try stripping it and polishing it out totally. Then consider whether to apply a clear coating or just try and maintain it with occasional hand polishing. I don't like the chromed ones they are too perfect but polished aluminum as a lustre all its own. There has been a polished grille by a professional company from Texas listed on eBay lately for $395. That grille looks beautiful just polished aluminum. I wonder what they recommend keeping it looking that nice as they didn't say anything about a clearcoat or anodizing after they polished it out.