how to clean 1966 side trim?

[yellow400ex05]

alright the trim on the side of my '66 is really crappy looking and faded, i was wondering if there was any way of cleaning it up nice again, but i don't know if its stainless or aluminum trim?

even the trim on the side of the cab is crappy looking.

[LT1 Burb]

WOW, that is a nice truck, might have to steal your color combo.

[theastronaut]

Wenol metal polish in the blue tube will clean it up without stripping the anodizing. After that you can wax it to protect it. Though its temporary, aerosol Pledge furniture polish will "wet" the anodizing if its chalky/dry and bring out the depth and shine and will make the wax last longer. Porsche recommended using petroleum jelly on their anodized Fuchs wheels to protect them from fading.

Here's mine, before and after.


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[donthekawguy]

Unless you want it shiny you could hit it with a scuff pad and make it look like brushed aluminum.

[blacklistcustoms]

ive heard that toothpolish will bring the shine back. I suggest using the wifes tooth brush on a test section. to make sure you dont dammage the trim.- Cheers -Nate

[oem4me]

Not that I would doubt theastronaut's experience, but I personally have never had good, lasting results trying to bring back the brilliance on anodized parts that have already gone milky. I have had fantastic results however by stripping the anodizing off and polishing the raw aluminum. Doing it that way means you'll have an ideal time to clean up all the little dings too. That said, straightening and polishing trim is NOT for the impatient enthusiast. It's most definitely an exercise in finesse.

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by oem4me

... That said, straightening and polishing trim is NOT for the impatient enthusiast. It's most definitely an exercise in finesse.

Very true. The factory side trim is so thin that if you apply just a little too much pressure on the polish wheel, it'll either kink the part or shoot it across the shop like a missile. Slow and easy is the way to go, with just enough pressure on the wheel to build heat but not too much where it wants to grab. The bedside trim is especially fun because it's so long. I tape them to a 2x4 and hand-work them with a buffer.