mr henderson
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 08:35 PM |
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Reviving dull aluminium bodywork
I've been given an early locost to build. It features an MK chassis, and quite nicely done aluminium bodywork. I wouldn't be surprised if
whoever did it wasn't a professional metalworker of some kind.
Anyway, if appears to have been left in a shed for a few years, and the aluminium is as dull and as tired looking as a very dull, tired thing, and I
welcome suggestions as to the best way to get it looking smart again.
As always, time and cost are an issue (when are they ever not?)
John
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Dangle_kt
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 08:37 PM |
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I've used a scotchbright pad that you use on pans and the like to good effect on alu, but I'm unsure if it was laquered or not and what
effect that would have.
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Paul TigerB6
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 08:38 PM |
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I use a drill mounted arbour and a 6" polishing mop along with the appropriate compound on large areas of aluminium. Did 1/3rd of a Tiger
Supercat side panel in about 15 mins or so, so not too bad
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roadrunner
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 08:42 PM |
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I've found T-cut works very well, especially if your cloth is damp.
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Shamrock GS
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 08:53 PM |
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Likewise with Roadrunner Tcut works fine, as does Autosol or even brasso. Lots of elbow grease needed for these but youy get a decent result. These
aren't abraisive enough to take out anything more than the finest surface scratches. For rougher pitting you need power tools and pads.
G
“Let your plans be dark and as impenetratable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.”
Sun Tzu, The Art of War
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chris taylor
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 09:09 PM |
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John,
T-Cut as suggest previously is ace, with a damp cloth, not come across anything better myself,
CT
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Danozeman
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 09:51 PM |
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t cut or autosol. use some plain flour on a cloth afterwards to take away the black scud that itl make.
Dan
Built the purple peril!! Let the modifications begin!!
http://www.eastangliankitcars.co.uk
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BenB
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 10:08 PM |
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Autosol here too. Proper job of polishing ali but a bit harsh if you use it too often.....
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jlparsons
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 10:33 PM |
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Any chance of some pics of the aly bodywork mate?
Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. Some assembly required. Batteries not included. Contents may settle during
shipment. Use only as directed. No other warranty expressed or implied. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle or heavy equipment. Subject to
approval, terms and conditions apply. Apply only to affected area. For recreational use only. All models over 18 years of age. No user-serviceable
parts inside. Subject to change. As seen on TV. One size fits all. May contain nuts. Slippery when wet. For office use only. Edited for television.
Keep cool; process promptly.
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twybrow
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| posted on 18/3/09 at 10:36 PM |
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At work, we polish aluminium moulds to a mirror finish with good old brasso.... Scotchbrite to start, moving to very fine wet n dry (1200 grit, wet),
then final polish with brasso to see your reflection!
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