Options for 63 aluminum anodized grill

[1963c-10]

In my 63 I have the stock steel grill in now, which is in bad condition, but I have one of the aluminum grills that were anodized and its in excellent shape except for the faded finish. My question is, what are the options for cleaning it up? Reanodize, chrome plate, powder coat, polished out? Just wondering what the concensus is on it.

[Greg63]

You should give it to me. ;0)

I redid my side trim and it came up nice. I hit it with some oven cleaner, an s.o.s. pad and a buffing wheel.

The grille would look great polished but because of all the nooks and crannies you should get it buffed by the pro's.
Greg

[1963c-10]

I did all of my side trim too, but much smaller projects and it was all stainless steel. Id like to polish it, but its a much larger piece and I wasn't sure how tough the anodized finish was to cut through. Is yours polished then? How about maintenance...did you clear coat or do you just polish when needed?

[Greg63]

I did mine and left them alone after buffing. I tried to clear a piece but wasn't happy with the results so I removed the clear and have left them alone.
I haven't noticed any oxidation and they continue to shine.
Greg

[1963c-10]

Did you use any polishing compound or just the buffing wheel? Was your grill anodized or plated originally? I have seen both.

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I de-anodized mine with Drano and cleaned it up.
I keep WD-40 sprayed on mine to keep it shining and it prevents tarnishing and staining. Never polished it.
The Anodizing prevents aluminum from oxidizing so that's why I keep WD-40 on her.
Remember WD-40 doesn't just lubricate and free up bolts it ( Cleans, Protects, Penetrates & Displaces Moisture. )

How to Clean and Polish Anodized Aluminum:
http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/665.cfm

Important, Please Read This:
http://iversonautomotive.com/aluminum.htm

[Greg63]

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Did you use any polishing compound or just the buffing wheel? Was your grill anodized or plated originally? I have seen both.

I used a couple of compounds and then just a buff. So far so good.
I only did my trim, not my grille. My painted grille was chromed back in the 80's.
Greg.

[tazattitude]

I also have an alum grill, but I opted to paint it. As far as my side moldings, I had these professionally stripped and polished.
I did not reclear these, so I polish them every couple weeks.

My suggestion would be to have the clear stripped and have the grill polished. Then if you would like you could clearcoat or leave raw alum if you don't mind polishing every once in awhile.

[1963c-10]

Thanks for the input, this is exactly the information that I was looking for. Greg63...i think I like your plan of attack the best....Annd from the looks of it, your grill looks awesome. Ill post some pics once complete