Restoring aluminum trim pieces. - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

LiveWire64 · 02-04-2006, 02:14 PM

I was wondering if anyone here has restored any of the aluminum trim pieces on their truck. I have a few pieces that are scratched & the finish is dull. How would I get them like new again? Is their anyone that restores trim or do I need to just buy new? Thanks, Brad

stllookn · 02-04-2006, 04:51 PM

The aluminum is annodized so you have to chemically remove it. I have used a lye bath for about 30 minutes. Then you can buff it with a buffing wheel...it will blind you but you will have to keep after it like any polished aluminum. It is lots of work but worth it in my estimation if you have good parts.

LiveWire64 · 02-04-2006, 07:34 PM

Thanks for the info. I was wondering if it was anodized. None of my polishes had any effect on the parts. I do want the pieces to have a real bright shine. Also don't want the black paint on them either. I will try the lye. Thanks Again,Brad

71-longbed · 02-21-2006, 01:18 PM

i used never-dull and some wax .. and it cleaned them up pretty good .. post some pics of what they look like right now

Superron21 · 02-21-2006, 06:03 PM

i've seen people wet sand scratches out of aluminum with 1200 grit sandpaper, then buff it on a wheel, shines like chrome. not as easy as tarnex, but wait. theres more! you also get a set of ginsu knives....

02-04-2006, 02:14 PM	#1
LiveWire64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: west coast Posts: 51	Restoring aluminum trim pieces. I was wondering if anyone here has restored any of the aluminum trim pieces on their truck. I have a few pieces that are scratched & the finish is dull. How would I get them like new again? Is their anyone that restores trim or do I need to just buy new? Thanks, Brad __________________ 55 Chevy small window. 66 FJ40 LandCruiser. 64 Chevy Van,350/350 72 Chevy 10 Van,short wb,454 78 Chevy 10 Van,short wb,350 72 Chevy Malibu 350. 77 Chevy Suburban. Silverado 20 Trailering Special.454,turbo400.

02-04-2006, 04:51 PM	#2
stllookn Saving 1 truck at a time! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Kent, WA Posts: 6,465	Re: Restoring aluminum trim pieces. The aluminum is annodized so you have to chemically remove it. I have used a lye bath for about 30 minutes. Then you can buff it with a buffing wheel...it will blind you but you will have to keep after it like any polished aluminum. It is lots of work but worth it in my estimation if you have good parts. __________________ '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 400/TH400 '68 C20 Longhorn 50th Anniversary 468/TH400w/buckets '72 C20 Halfhorn (Longhorn w/o cab and front clip) '69 Flxible Cruiser (look up ugly in the dictionary)

02-04-2006, 07:34 PM	#3
LiveWire64 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: west coast Posts: 51	Re: Restoring aluminum trim pieces. Thanks for the info. I was wondering if it was anodized. None of my polishes had any effect on the parts. I do want the pieces to have a real bright shine. Also don't want the black paint on them either. I will try the lye. Thanks Again,Brad __________________ 55 Chevy small window. 66 FJ40 LandCruiser. 64 Chevy Van,350/350 72 Chevy 10 Van,short wb,454 78 Chevy 10 Van,short wb,350 72 Chevy Malibu 350. 77 Chevy Suburban. Silverado 20 Trailering Special.454,turbo400.

02-21-2006, 01:18 PM	#4
71-longbed Its Magically Delicious Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: oregon Posts: 2,398	Re: Restoring aluminum trim pieces. i used never-dull and some wax .. and it cleaned them up pretty good .. post some pics of what they look like right now __________________ 71 C10 LWB 350sbc -TH350 12 bolt 3.42 Posi Of all my favorite things to do, The utmost is to have a brew. My love grows for my foamy friend, with each thirst-quenching elbow bend. Beer so frosty, smooth, and cold it's paradise pure liquid gold. Yes beer means many things to me that's all for now cus I gotta pee.

02-21-2006, 06:03 PM	#5
Superron21 DONT TRY THIS AT HOME! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 119	Re: Restoring aluminum trim pieces. i've seen people wet sand scratches out of aluminum with 1200 grit sandpaper, then buff it on a wheel, shines like chrome. not as easy as tarnex, but wait. theres more! you also get a set of ginsu knives....



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