I assume that the aluminum trim used for the grille, bezels and interior trim is anodized. Based on that assumption, is it better to polish and then have it anodized again, or to leave it as it is?

 

The anodizing must be stripped first. Do a search on here and you'll find several threads on various ways you can do it.
I'm choosing to leave mine bare. It requires a little regular maintenance, but having stuff re-anodized is very expensive.

 

May want to check w/ local plating shops and get a quote, est. on having the 65 grille anodized few yrs. ago was around $400. Ended up purchasing the anodize stripper, the grille originally came off a construction truck and had a few dings so ended up working out the dings then started out with med. fine sandpaper and worked up to ultra-fine, then polished. With the smaller items ended up using a buffer. Decided to use an aerosol can of clear so I would not have to spend time keeping it polished, there are number of alum clear coats available, last checked Eastwood have couple products. Without the anodize the alum can turn color in relatively short period of time. Next time will check into cost of having pieces powder coated, or do it myself, that's if they make a clear.

If you were to run a search and narrow field to 61-66 forum should find additional info including pic member submitted of the grille he did using a can of alum. paint, must admit, from the pic did not look bad.

 

Have read where a guy used Prematex aersol gasket remover product,( Autozone 8 bucks for a 4oz can ooch) havn't try it yet but will this winter on my 78 grille, its not as damaged as the old trim on my 65 model so hopefully I can repolish it & then just protect with a clear coat type product.

Mitch

 

I tried applying a clearcoat on a headlamp door. Looked like crap. Stripped it off and left it plain.

 

I cleaned mine with go-jo hand cleaner and a kitchen foam scrubbie pad with the scouring pad on one side. took a alittle bit of elbow grase but worked very well. it's been three years and it still looks like new. Dutch