Couldn't find this in a search of previous topics, so here it is.

I'm too cheap to buy brand new exterior trim for my 70 sport custom, plus its not a show car. I am wanting to try and refinish some of my trim pieces, like the rocker panels and belt/upper side moldings. Has anyone done this? I think these are anodized aluminum.

Does the anodized coating need to be removed before knocking any dents out? If so, what are some safe options to remove it?

Any tricks to tapping out the little dings and dent that show up on these things?

After polishing the trim, is it best to clear coat the refinished trim, or just keep a good coat of wax on it?

What have people on this board tried, and what were the results? Thanks.

 

factory trim as it comes from the factory is polished and then laminated. If you want to fix it up you have a few options. You can just get a sheet metal hammer and a doly (block of metal will do) and use your art skills to re-shape the metal be patinet if you haven't done this before practice on somthing you don't mind destroying. You do not need to take the lamanted coating off to do this.
Then if you want to make it look even better you can have it anodized, be aware that this is a different surface treatment than what the factory did it will look good but it will be diferent. To be able to anodize this stuff first you need to remove the coating, you must do this or the anodizing will not work. A pneumatic or electric wire brush with a fine brisell will do the trick. a wire brush that has a wire diameter of about .005" to .010" will leave a decent finish on the part. next you need to polish the part to a very high luster. anodizing it's self does not make a part more shinny it just makes what you have done more permanent. now you are ready to have it anodized . I personally had mine anodized to match my roof and inside door panels (light blue) if you don't want color ask for a "clear" anodize. -good luck

 

I just got a book from Eastwoods on restoring trim . It also covers stainless and chrome. It is a good informative book but to do any of the work requires a buffer like a Baldor.

 

Just picked up some used pieces that are pretty good except for some overspray from a repaint. What should I use to remove the old paint with out harming the protective coating on the trim itself? Seems like paint strip would take off the coating.

 

Dot, try rubbing compound and elbow grease Also, I would suggest buffing the whole piece once you use rubbing compound because the area you clean will likely look better than the rest. There are some products out there for aluminum that work well. But if you can keep the protective finish on, then great, you might just need to buff with a polishing compound or something light like that.

 

Try using wadding compound. It comes in a can and is impregnated into cotton. If your parts store doesn't have it, go to your local truck stop. This stuff will remove rust, dirt and grease or even paint without scratching the trim and is a polish that will leave a nice shine.

 

Thanks for the replies. I did try some wadding compound and it does do a pretty good job of taking out the minor scuffs and even got a little of the paint. Maybe I'll try rubbing compound and see if its a little faster. Like you both are saying, looks like it's going to take some elbow grease and perserverance to get all the paint off. Thanks.

 

When I cleaned the trim on my 70 F250 I used lacquer thinner and a clean rag. This took off the old paint, over spray and any oil residue. I then used a hammer and an assortment of dollies to tap out as many dings as possible. I then masked out the areas to be repainted. After the paint dried throughly I polished the unpainted surfaces by hand with chrome polish and 0000 steel wool. Looks pretty good I have to say and sure beats paying for new pieces.

 

The thing that is working best on removing paint so far is a plastic scotch brite or brillo pad. Doesn't seem to do a whole for the tarnished pieces. Some areas have cloudy spots, may have to get a buffing attachment to try on those. Just plain rubbing compound doesn't seem to be getting these out.