Prep, finish and restore trunk panel

[pcwiggum]

What is the best method to prep and restore the trunk panel. It appears some were finished with red paint to match the tail lights (like mine below), but i'd like to restore it to a bright silver finish if possible. I have zero experience in this area and would appreciate your help.

 

[commando1]

What is the best method to prep and restore the trunk panel. It appears some were finished with red paint to match the tail lights (like mine below), but i'd like to restore it to a bright silver finish if possible. I have zero experience in this area and would appreciate your help.
View attachment 7976View attachment 7975View attachment 7977

Damn anodized aluminum. Pain in the butt.

http://www.everbritecoatings.com/aluminum.htm

 

[pcwiggum]

Thanks Stan. I'm going to order the small everbrite package on their website after reviewing their info/videos. I fear the reddish tone is a result of a faded paint job that will take some extra work to thin and/or sand out.

 

[cm23uoc]

The paint could possibly rub off with thinner, usually the paint applied to these surfaces is not very durable.

 

[bluefury361]

I've cleaned these panels and other bright dipped aluminum and stainless with XXX steel wool soaked with brake or carb cleaner. If the piece is nice enough it will look much better.

Anodizeing is tough to remove, (oven cleaner works), and is expensive to replace. I have powder coated grilles and other bright trim with a clear glossy coating that looked good too.

 

[Greg B.]

A fellow on the Olds mail list posted this just recently:

"I stripped the aluminum of the anodize surface, just submerge in drain
cleaner for a few hours. Then polished with cotton wheel and Mothers until
bright. Then waxed with the hard surface stuff. That was 1-1/2 years ago
and it still looks great. I did not re-anodize.

Stainless is a different process, see these short vids.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlTOg4tb_V8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gw4gGHJ4iE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drV1iuH7AYs "

For re-anodizing, try this fellow:

Chris Paul, BSME
Paul's Polishing
Automotive Trim- Stainless Steel & Aluminum
336-337-2271 cell
North Carolina
www.paulspolish.com
1-877-442-4586

Or if you are in the Northeast:

"There is a guy in Fall River MA, Steve Grace. I have been using him for years, not cheap but the work is outstanding. His father did it for years and Steve took over when the Dad retired.

He will take off the anodize and get it re done after the repair and polish. He can fix screw holes in stainless.

Fall River MA 508-672-5931"

 

[commando1]

Good bookmarking info. Thanks.