CLEANING SIDE TRIM

[findinglemo]

Hey Guys,

I originally posted in the wrong thread...

So here we go!

I bought some extra side trim off a salvage Grand Am and was wondering ....How do you get the clouded look of the pieces.
My cars side trim is the same maybe not quite as bad..Is there a way to bring the shine back? Pics below!

:shock:

 

[joesregalproject]

The reason they have that look is because the trim is anodized aluminum. There is no way to polish anodized aluminum, unless you de- anodized it. It really isn't difficult to do, but once you do it, the aluminum is a pain to keep up after, you constantly have to polish it, unless you re-anodize it, which has to be done by a chrome shop, and is expensive. Here is a link to de- anodizing.

http://www.secondchancegarage.com/public/665.cfm

 

[565bbchevy]

If you want it to shine again and plan to do it yourself you will have to strip off the anodizing and repolish it.
I do this with most anodized aluminum parts I get anyways old or new to me I prefer the mirror shine you get from polishing rather than the clear anodized slightly duller look. And yes it does take a little more upkeep to look good but I feel it's worth the effort
Plus any scratches and small defects can be smoothed out before polishing.

 

[findinglemo]

Thanks for the help guys,....I have these spare set to work with , no dents or dings...Might have to give her a try!

 

[joesregalproject]

If its a spare set, you've really got nothing to lose, so I say go for it.

 

[findinglemo]

I agree....thanks again!