OK, while the grills are off the 6, I was thinking about trying to remove 38 years worth of stone chips in the outer Aluminum trim and bring them back to a reasonable finish
Anybody ever try this, and if yes, how
Me thinks I'm gonna mask off the black plastic grill edges and have at it, slowly reducing the grit to something very fine, although I don't have any "grit numbers" in mind just yet
I would love to hear some thoughts and opinions from the Big Coupe braintrust on this one
TIA
Polishing the Aluminum trim around grills?
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Polishing the Aluminum trim around grills?
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
2005 330 Ci ZHP Cabrio Imola Red/Bone/Black
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Re: Polishing the Aluminum trim around grills?
Bobbo, First off, they are clear anodized and that needs to be stripped before you can polish them. Use easy off oven cleaner. Than polish. However, find a good plater and get them chromed, yes aluminum can be done, or re clear anodized. Either of the last 2 are the way to go.
81 Euro 635 M90 with motronic. Currently under a complete nut and bolt restoration. Pictures at
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Re: Polishing the Aluminum trim around grills?
Bobbo,
You can remove the alloy strips from the plastic grills. Use a pair of long needle-nose pliers to turn the holding clips 90 degrees.
It's all a bit fragile so be careful.
You can remove the alloy strips from the plastic grills. Use a pair of long needle-nose pliers to turn the holding clips 90 degrees.
It's all a bit fragile so be careful.
They are ALWAYS rustier than you thought!!!!!!
'85 M #228
'87 M #367
'88 High line.
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'85 M #228
'87 M #367
'88 High line.
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Re: Polishing the Aluminum trim around grills?
Thanks gents, wasn't even thinking that they were anodized, as they sure don't look like the finish on my bumpers
Ron, took the needle nose pliers to one of those tabs, and the aluminum is either very tough, or very brittle, presumed from age
Obviously chroming is only an option of I can get them off, may entertain that option, if I can remove them
Will give the removal process another attempt this evening, otherwise it will be taping off the plastic grill edges, stripping the presumed anodizing layer, and sanding away
Ron, took the needle nose pliers to one of those tabs, and the aluminum is either very tough, or very brittle, presumed from age
Obviously chroming is only an option of I can get them off, may entertain that option, if I can remove them
Will give the removal process another attempt this evening, otherwise it will be taping off the plastic grill edges, stripping the presumed anodizing layer, and sanding away
Bobbo
1980 633 CSi Cypress Green/Pearl Beige
2017 X5 M Sport Xdrive 35i Carbon Black/Ivory White
2005 330 Ci ZHP Cabrio Imola Red/Bone/Black