Is the lower aluminum trim found on the 1967 full size Country Sedan and some Ranch Wagons polished aluminum or anodized aluminum? I followed some instructions on the net to rub an old penny on an inconspicuous spot. It scratched the aluminum, didn't rub off any copper. Supposedly that means it is polished (anodized is supposed to be harder). But I am not sure. I have been trying to clean up a piece. I used some white bar and then red Wenol using cloth wheels and that removed oxidation and cleaned it up. However, compared to the NOS piece I have, I cannot get a sharp reflection in the old piece. I then tried 320 grit and 600 grit wet sandpaper on part of the piece that was protected from direct elements by the way it is installed on the car. Then I used some Mothers mag and aluminum polish. That little spot shined up sharp like the NOS piece. But when I tried it on a portion of the rest of the piece, that was exposed to the elements, no noticeable improvement. For full disclosure, the piece I am working on is made up of two separate pieces. But they appear to made the same. Finally I tried some flour on it, and a tiny bit improvement (internet suggestion). I just cannot get the sharp, mirror like reflection I have on the NOS piece. Thus I was wondering if it is indeed anodized and I need to remove that to get down to the metal underneath. NOS piece: Piece I am trying to polish: Any recommendations?
Go to your local Harbor Frieght or Tractor Suppy and buy a cheap grinder to bolt to a portable table. Buy a cheap polishing kit which has a soft cloth wheel, different types of polishing compound in bars, read instructions, hang on tight because they will fly out of your hand, take your time working from a course grade to the very fine. A good job for winter while wearing gloves. The piece will get hot to the touch. Do not rub so long to make it turn blue or purple. This will need polished out later. I actually started on my '55 Chevy stainless by using a small pick hammer to pound out dents and creases. Then a very fine file to remove the nicks and imperfections. Next a fine sand paper. After that begin polishing with course to fine compound. When finished you will have a chrome like mirror smooth piece just like Henry's boys made it.
It should be anodized and very hard to get finish like nos piece due to age. Might have to break surface of new piece to get the finish similar or have the old re-anodized.
If its anodized, it may be necessary to remove the anodizing before it is possible to make it shine. For the amount of trim that you have, it could take a very long time to remove the anodizing using a buffing wheel, and you could risk damaging parts. As I recall, the compound I was using appeared to turn the anodizing black before it could be buffed off. For the wide anodized aluminum trim that runs the full length of my 67 Coronet's body sides, I went a different route. The anodizing on my trim had turned it a sort of milky white color. No amount of polishing would bring back a shine. A buffing wheel and compound took a very long time to burn through the anodizing. Decided to try a spray on Anodize Remover by Blue Lightning. http://www.blulightning.com/product/ADGL/ANODIZE-REMOVER.html It actually worked pretty well. There were a few places I had to reapply several times. As long as it was wet and foaming on the trim, it was working. I did end up using something with a very fine abrasive quality to get it all removed (I think it was a very fine steel wool pad or fine scotchbrite pad (be careful you don't scratch the metal though). After multiple time consuming and back breaking other methods I tried, this will be the method of choice for the side trim on my Belvedere wagon as well. I did notice that the Blue Lightning anodize remover spray does not seem to have much effect on paint. If your trim has painted details, you may want to strip the paint first. By the way, If I recall correctly, it was safe to use without gloves, had no fumes, and was environmentally friendly. http://www.blulightning.com/product/ADGL/ANODIZE-REMOVER.html
I've tried blue lightening on my 64 anodized trim and I'm not happy. After three or four applications I still had anodizing left on my pieces. I went to Plan B. E-Z-Off oven cleaner. Works great, cheap, and easy to come by. After the anodizing was off, I proceeded like ModelT1, buffer and rouge. After that you can apply a wax for a sealer or in my case, I used a clear coat. It takes a little of the gloss of your piece but in the long run will wear better. FYI once you have done one piece the finish on the pieces next to it that have the anodizing left on them will not look the same. If your pockets are deep, send if off to have it re-anodized. Chrome plating on stainless is another complete process that nets way better results when removed and polished.
I am trying the E-Z-OFF method now. According to what I have read online, the formula has been changed and doesn't work like it used to, to remove anodizing. However, my wife had an old can of it and I have tried it on an old piece that I am replacing with NOS, so I am not worried what may happen to it. Sprayed and left alone for about 7 minutes. Flushed, wiped. Even tried fine scotchbrite pad. But it looks the same. Trying again and leaving for 20 minutes this time. How long did you guys leave it on for? How can you tell when the anodizing is removed? What should it look like?
15-20 minutes. The stripped aluminum will just be dull. If you polish it and there is still anodizing left on the surface, it will show up. Your polished surface will have much more shine. These stamped trim pieces usually have a "grain" to them where they have used a machine to form them. Your polishing procedures should follow that "grain".
Ok, thanks Marty! I kind of goofed and left it on for 40 minutes. Rinsed it off and it was "white". Worried me. Used a cloth wheel and some of the white bar and that cut it pretty well. Then tried a bit of red Wenol I still had, and another cloth wheel. Shined up better and sharper than when I tried to clean up an anodized piece previously. I then tried the white bar and Mothers Mag and Aluminum polish on another portion of the piece. That seemed to come out a bit better than the white bar and Wenol.
Excellent. Glad it worked out for you. If you plan on using your wagon a lot or the weather is extreme, putting some kind of clear finish over your newly polished work of art might be advised. Bare aluminum will dull.
