Polishing non-chrome metal trim

[Geesie]

My Regal has the vinyl half-roof. The trim piece that goes over the top at the front of the vinyl is pretty cloudy. I thought it was aluminum, so I got some aluminum polish for it. It got briefly shiny, but I could watch it cloud up and match the unpolished section within 10 seconds.

Also, the shiny pieces at the bottom of the doors (rocker panels, I think?) doesn't respond to brasso or aluminum polish.

What are some other methods/substances I could use to get the non-chrome metal trim pieces shiny again?

 

[83cut350chev]

i had the same problem. i got aluminum polish and you really just have to keep polishing it

 

[Tony_SS]

If they are oxidized you pretty much are SOL. Try taking some 0000 steel wool to them. Make sure its '0000' though.

 

[Geesie]

Would 1000 grit sandpaper work too?

 

[srercrcr]

Perhaps theyre stainless and not aluminum.

 

[megaladon6]

1k grit might work but i'd wet sand it and do a test patch. you might need something finer. i always used brasso on any metal, unless it had a "clear coat" on it.

 

[fodoimp]

they are anodized and unless you strip it off and polish it you are not going to get them really shiny. I use easy off oven cleaner as long as it has lye in it. That takes off the anodizing and then I use 1500 wet and smooth it out and then buff it on my bench polisher. Obviously it has to be done off of the car and its a ton of work. The other problem you run into is the fact that polished anything exposed to the elements dulls up fast. So whenever I polish aluminum I use Zoops seal on it so it lasts longer. You can get that stuff from Summit ZSP-9550. It's expensive but it works great. The best way if you want a show winning finish is to remove it all and send it out to a pro. You have to be careful with the lye because if unattended or on the piece to long it will eat up the trim.

 

[andrewmp6]

Fodoimp is right if its anodized you'll get no where with it.But once its off you can polish it to look just like chrome i use never dull and mothers mag and alum polish on everything almost both can bring a shine to any metal.Zoops seal is worth the money and prep to use it.It can last 6 months to a year depending on where you live.

 

[fodoimp]

gliptone metal polish blows never dull away and everything else Ive ever tried and I have tried them all. Its the same basic idea as nevr dull (treated cotton) but they have it in 3 or 4 stages and if you take the time and follow the stages you will have an unbelievable shine

 

[andrewmp6]

Guess ill give that one a try i like never dull walmart sells it and its never let me down yet.But i always go over it with mothers mag and alum to get that chrome like shine to come out.