Aluminum Window Trim

[rebootej]

Doing a restoration on my 74 Satellite, ive noticed the anodized aluminum window trim is pretty scratched up. What can be done to clean it up? I cant sand out the scratches and polish it it because of the anodization correct? How expensive is it to have them re-anodized?

Thanks for the help.

 

[Photon440]

Various opinions on removing anodized coatings, and keeping the shine:
http://www.finishing.com/3600-3799/3674.shtml

 

[kb73rr]

What "window trim" exactly are you referring to? Everything around the windshield and rear window on the exterior is stainless steel and inside it is painted mild steel or plastic. The stainless steel can be conventionally buffed and polished to a very nice shine if you work at it. Take a look at idrivemopar's "My 73 Roadrunner Project" thread http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?44229-My-73-Roadrunner-Project&p=909921169&viewfull=1#post909921169

 

[idrivemopar]

It does take a fair amount of work to a lot of work to get the trim back in order. I am currently working on the wide piece that goes on the bottom of the wind shield, it was deeply scratched and dented. Working out the dents and deep scratches with a file, then unfortunately, the entire piece had to be sanded, and starting with a low grit, 240, having to work up through at least 6 or 7 grits to get it where it can then be polished, the using a black rouge, then green to polish. It will take much time on this piece. The trick is to only work the areas that need attention if possible. Doing the entire piece with files and sanding will add much time and effort. For my rear windows trim that kb73rr mentioned, I just gave them a good hard polish, and there are still fine scratches in them, but they look much better with all of the oxidation gone. If you want to have someone do the work for you, I have found that most places charge around 75 bucks a foot to restore.

 

[rebootej]

Here are some pics of the aluminium molding im talking about, it wraps all the way around the front of the hood,





The green shows the trim, the red line is a cast piece and the rest is aluminium i believe.


The trim around my rear window has some deep scratches too, looks like a previous owner accidentally hit it with a DA sander.

 

[kb73rr]

Ooooh, those window trims. Here is CudaChick1968's excellent instructions of how to remove the anodize.
http://www.forbbodiesonly.com/moparforum/showthread.php?44229-My-73-Roadrunner-Project&p=909916642&viewfull=1#post909916642
Once you get the original anodize off you can polish and buff them back to a very nice shine. After that you may want to have them re-anodized or clear powder coated to keep them looking good. The anodize process is called "bright dip anodize" and it is still pretty commonly done. Google or the phone book for a local source. Powder coating is available all over but if you want to patronize FBBO vendors - CudaChick's work looks amazing.

 

[CudaChick1968]

Awww, thanks kb!!! Always happy to help out if I can. < hug >