Polishing Aluminum

[Tabcon]

What a chore, especially the Weber intake manifolds. I spent hours polishing all the aluminum pieces on my engine and transmission, assembled it all and then stood back to take a look. What I then realized is that I really don't like shiny things that much, so I grabbed some scuffing pads and went to work. I guess all the polishing was necessary before I dulled it all down. The results are outstanding, and worth it I suppose, but man it's a lot of work.

 

[Brosky]

Worth the effort though, especially with everything else that you've done.

 

[DrEntropy]

Back when we lived where there was ~winter~ I polished cam covers an' suchlike over th' cold season while watchin' th' tube in th' livingroom. Those days are GONE.

I do like the "brushed" look, BTW.

 

[Brosky]

You mean a cold snowy day in October, just like today, right Doc??

Top went up and charger went on today. Cover tomorrow.

This sucks............................

 

[tdskip]

Come to SoCal or AZ or Texas Paul, things are just getting good.

 

[Perrymip]

I'm appalled. No self-respecting TR engine should have that virginal aura. Certainly, more scuffing is in order. The occasional smear of dirty grease wouldn't be amiss either.

Or perhaps I may be "over-distressing" mine?

How do you get that glacial ice-cave blue in the cavities?

 

[Tabcon]

How do you get that glacial ice-cave blue in the cavities?

LOL!

That's blue painter's tape.

When it's running, I'll do my best to get it dirty.

 

[Tinkerman]

Love the red engine Tab! The polished pieces look great!

Tinkerman

 

[BobbyD]

You mean a cold snowy day in October, just like today, right Doc??

Top went up and charger went on today. Cover tomorrow.

This sucks............................

What? There's at least another month of driving left.....even with the top down. Don't let the snow in Foxborough influence your decision. You need to get another 28 miles on your car so you can top 100 miles driven for the year But your golf game has really improved, lowering your handicap :angel:

 

[Tinster]

What snow?

 

[trfourtune]

Absolutely gorgeous !!!!
Rob

 

[poolboy]

That's nice, Tab; real nice.
Now.. you got to get rolling before the next BMCNO Car Show at Delgado.

 

[BIBBER]

Dale it's right there in your pic...just look to the Northwest out about 1667 miles!! :wink:

 

[Brosky]

Stop it Dale!! No more of those until next June, so the it's the same here.

Bob, it was snowing in my back yard while I was watching the game. They're only about 15 miles north of me you know.

And I want you to know that I have upwards of 280 miles on the car this year! So there!!

Next year the car and golf will get my full attention, trust me on that. When I'm not working that is!

 

[DrEntropy]

I did some alloy cleanin' today. Four Zed-S 175CD's. UGH! This poor beast gets driven a few miles every six months, then gets parked under th' house right out against the Intercoastal. Amazing what six months of salt air will do to it.

:shocked:

 

[kodanja]

on another note:

I have an aluminum radiator shroud that over a few years has become stained and discolored some

Is there a way thet I can brush polish it without it looking too funny?

I was thinking possibly using a drill with a steel brush, but Im not sure if I can get it to look uniform....

any suggestions?

 

[Tabcon]

You really need to do a full polish on it first to get a good brushed effect. I would use an angle grinder with a scotch brite buffing pad and then a polishing bonnet and some stick type metal polish. Then hit it by hand with the scotch brite hand pads and just be sure to rub each surface in the same direction.

 

[Twosheds]

on another note:

I have an aluminum radiator shroud that over a few years has become stained and discolored some

Is there a way thet I can brush polish it without it looking too funny?

I was thinking possibly using a drill with a steel brush, but Im not sure if I can get it to look uniform....

any suggestions?

Don't use a steel brush on aluminum. Dissimilar metals and whatnot.

 

[UmmYeahOk]

Love that automotive porn!

 

[kodanja]

Tabcon Ill try yur method
worst case, I buy a new shroud'
or pain the one I have.......