how to make a grill shine
#16
Considering it has been 110 for the past two weeks here in Oklahoma I would charge alot per hour but never doing one it would be unjustified lol. I have seen that ranger grill on ebay for WAY more than I got in my truck kick myself in the a** everyday for selling my 69 ranger with that gril for $400.00 had the 390 to if I only knew then what I do now.
I already got about an hour on one with no results which is the reason I started this thread was hoping somebody like yourself would share what kind of polish and striping materials it takes because what I'm trying is not working. I will keep track of everything for you I have no problem with that I hope to retain the adjustment screws and all if possible. But unless you tell me different I was on may way out there tomorrow with some oven cleaner to try to strip the clear coat that I never knew was there until this thread. I'm definitly a good average guy to compare to I can handle the heat outside I build houses for a living but I'm no car restorer just a guy workin on his own junk
I already got about an hour on one with no results which is the reason I started this thread was hoping somebody like yourself would share what kind of polish and striping materials it takes because what I'm trying is not working. I will keep track of everything for you I have no problem with that I hope to retain the adjustment screws and all if possible. But unless you tell me different I was on may way out there tomorrow with some oven cleaner to try to strip the clear coat that I never knew was there until this thread. I'm definitly a good average guy to compare to I can handle the heat outside I build houses for a living but I'm no car restorer just a guy workin on his own junk
#17
Did the oven cleaner thing sprayed it let it sit wiped it off then sprayed and let sit again. let it sit for about an hour each time. Then all I have at the moment to polish with is a dremel and the red metal polish that comes with a dremel kit. Nobody has told me what kind of polish is best to use yet so workin with what I got.Got one section of the crossbars and driverside headlight area on face side only lookin a lot better than it did (not as good as yours but way better). So far including the two hours waiting on the oven cleaner and the hour I spent with no results I got about four hours on it.
There has got to be a better polishing tool than a dremel only polishing about a 1/4" area at a time. So whats the best polish to use? and any tricks for deep scratches?
There has got to be a better polishing tool than a dremel only polishing about a 1/4" area at a time. So whats the best polish to use? and any tricks for deep scratches?
#18
Depending on how deep the scratches are. Did the scratch push the aluminum on the back side? If so you'll need to tap it out. If not you'll need to sand starting with a grit that will work on that scratch Probably 800 grit will work as posted earlier working your way up. If the scratch is to deep it will always be there unless you know how to weld aluminum. Polishing compound is like sanding start course to fine.
So how much are you paying yourself an hour? Are you taking pictures and keeping a log of time and money?
So how much are you paying yourself an hour? Are you taking pictures and keeping a log of time and money?
Last edited by gangstakr; 08-08-2011 at 11:33 PM. Reason: adding comment
#19
I will pay myself 9.00 per hour, that is what I would pay any unskilled worker fresh on my job. Since this is my first attempt at redoing a grill I think that is fair. here are some pics of progress so far
I suppose I need to sand that pitted area could not see it until polished
total cost so far is $44.00 plus 5hrs labor @$9.00 an hour
I suppose I need to sand that pitted area could not see it until polished
total cost so far is $44.00 plus 5hrs labor @$9.00 an hour
#20
Robert, do you work on grills for a living or is it just your hobby? Just curious. Do you do car restorations to or just parts? Also this grill above and the one that is on the the 68 have the same part number beside the passenger light but if you look in my 68 album the grill on the truck is different from this one can you explain?
#22
#23
I will have to admit only five hours in and I will be surprised if it can be done for under $500.00 (once labor is figured in) as good as Gangstakr can do one, But gonna give it a shot and see how clean I can get it. Thanks for the advice so far I will keep everyone posted.
By the way will this grill fit my 71 f100?
By the way will this grill fit my 71 f100?
#24
I will have to admit only five hours in and I will be surprised if it can be done for under $500.00 (once labor is figured in) as good as Gangstakr can do one, But gonna give it a shot and see how clean I can get it. Thanks for the advice so far I will keep everyone posted.
By the way will this grill fit my 71 f100?
By the way will this grill fit my 71 f100?
#25
#27
#30
I bet that was a special moment for you. Cool picture.