Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

[Larry Low]

For those do-it-yourselfers. I was polishing for brightness and removal of moderate scratches on my trusty six inch buffing wheel when I thought this is going to take me forever. Thought how I could speed up this process and remembered I had some 1500 grit micro fine sandpaper I use for model cars. Using it dry, sanding long ways in one direction, it worked great. Concentrate in one area on heavy/moderate scratches. Then come back with white rouge on buffer wheel to mirror finish. Cut my time by 3/4th.
Larry
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[Mike Przano]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Great tip Larry, I am in the middle of buffing now so I will give it a try.
Mike

[Steve D.]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Larry

2 questions.

1) Are the valve covers with the script "Corvette" suitable for polishing in the way you described ?

2) What are some other items on a mid year that are able suitable for polishing ?

Steve

[Larry Low]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

I would say no to the valve covers. Anything that needs to be shinny and best to sand in one direction, then polish. I am no expert, I just found this tip to be helpful on stainless trim last night.
Larry

[Zachary K.]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Valve covers are aluminum not stainless!

[Jack H.]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Aluminum valve covers WILL polish up like a champ! Of course, once you do this expect major deductions under factory concours judging scrutiny. In the factory concours 'game' the trick is to make aluminum valve covers appear as if they were just pulled from the mold (no dings in fins, no visible weld repair around mounting points, no gouges on bolt-on mounting pads and a fresh surface 'skin' bright but not polished/shiney bright).

If the car's a driver and you want to 'spiff' up the underhood look for general public eye appeal, GO FOR IT! But, keep in mind some serious restorers go to great lengths to find 'untouched' valve covers and/or send their covers out to re-skin the surface to undo past owner polishing....

[Steve D.]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Jack

Will the buffing wheel and rouge be sufficient on the aluminum ?

Steve

[Eric H.]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Steve -

Check out Eastwoods. They sell various buffing and polishing compounds for specific types of metals. Probably shouldn't mix the buffing wheels either.

Ric

[Larry Low]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Just relized I used 1200 grit. Also, a quick pass with red then brown rouge makes for a quicker cut. Then white. I tried to sand on my window wipers and it appears this stainless is harder and therefore scratches easily. A good buffing with red rouge seemed to do the trick.

[Larry Low]

Re: Tip for Polishing Stainless Trim

Sears sells a package that has black, red, brown and white. Its's been a while since I bought it, but I would think they still have it. Also, buffing wheel pads. Home Depot also has it, but I found their prices very high. Their pads were also the sewn web type. You can use the same wheel, just score it with a screw driver before changing grits.

[Mike G.]

How to Protect the Polished Aluminum?

I had my valve covers polished and they really look great (Points? We don't need no stinking points!) But if any water gets on them, they quickly discolor. Other than a touch-up polish from time to time, does anyone know how I could make them a little less vulnerable? I've considered clear powder coat, but that seems a little extreme.

[Jack H.]

Re: How to Protect the Polished Aluminum?

Periodic 'spritz' and wipe with good quality silicone spray does wonders (not heat/bake sensitive). Most of the clear spray paints have heat elevation limits and can be expected to discolor....