Polishing Radiator Top
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Earth
Polishing Radiator Top
Has anybody here polished their radiator top? I have the hood off my truck right now, working on something else, and it seems like the perfect time to do it. I can see brass where the paint has peeled off in certain spots. Any tips would be appreciated. I have a polishing kit for my Dremel and some really good buffing compound. 
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
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From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by 53fatfndr
Has anybody here polished their radiator top? I have the hood off my truck right now, working on something else, and it seems like the perfect time to do it. I can see brass where the paint has peeled off in certain spots. Any tips would be appreciated. I have a polishing kit for my Dremel and some really good buffing compound.
Last edited by NumberDummy; Aug 9, 2007 at 02:04 PM.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Originally Posted by 53fatfndr
It's a new radiator and the top has no soldering spots. I've seen polished tops at car shows and that's why I was asking if anybody here has done it.
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Earth
Originally Posted by NumberDummy
I'm a stickler for originality, if Ford (or Packard-my main interest) didn't do it, neither will I. While the polished radiators look nice, if you enter the vehicle in a car show where points count, you will be docked at least 5.
My '53 is far from original...I don't even have door handles 
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 201
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From: Churchville, VA
I think it will be more than 5!
53fatfndr's truck is just a little past stock!
I say go for it! I was thinking the same thing on mine, once I actually get it done that is.
Pictures, pictures, pictures
53fatfndr's truck is just a little past stock!
I say go for it! I was thinking the same thing on mine, once I actually get it done that is.
Pictures, pictures, pictures
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: south Fl.
Originally Posted by 53fatfndr
It's a new radiator and the top has no soldering spots. I've seen polished tops at car shows and that's why I was asking if anybody here has done it.
maybe i'll try itRick
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From: paradise, northern calif.
Hi Brandon,you And I Seem To Think Similar. I Started With My Radiator Cap Buffing Till It Looked Almost Like Chrome, That Gave Me The Idea Of Stripping The Paint Off The Upper And Lower Radiator Tanks And Then Buffing Them To A High Gloss Brass Finnish That Was Hiding Under The Paint, This Gave Me The Idea To Clean All Holes, Remove All Wiring Weld Up, Rust Treat,and Paint The Firewall, And Cover Entire Firewall With Heat Padding, Covered By Polished Brass Sheeting.brass Bolts Pollsished Ss Hinge Bolts Ect. Well You Get The Idea. Almost Done And I Think It Looks Very Nice, (just My Opinion) So Let Your Imagination Be Your Guide. Sorry I Dont Have The Abilaty To Post Photos. "jimmy"
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2003
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From: Earth
Originally Posted by rdemilt
Oh, Then what holds the tanks on and side rails to the core maybe i'll try it
Rick
maybe i'll try itRick
Yes, I will be taking pictures. I was hoping to start this tomorrow, but my tranny cooler mount relocation project is taking longer than I had planned...(that's what happens when you decide to move stuff around).
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Longwood, fl
Do the first cut with a scotch brite pad and follow up with Wenol red tube. If your still not happy use the Wenol blue tube then seal it with a high temp clear. Saw one at super nats last year on a creamy 54 and it looked great. Good luck....
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Littleton, New Hampshire
Originally Posted by underthebridgejim
Hi Brandon,you And I Seem To Think Similar. I Started With My Radiator Cap Buffing Till It Looked Almost Like Chrome, That Gave Me The Idea Of Stripping The Paint Off The Upper And Lower Radiator Tanks And Then Buffing Them To A High Gloss Brass Finnish That Was Hiding Under The Paint, This Gave Me The Idea To Clean All Holes, Remove All Wiring Weld Up, Rust Treat,and Paint The Firewall, And Cover Entire Firewall With Heat Padding, Covered By Polished Brass Sheeting.brass Bolts Pollsished Ss Hinge Bolts Ect. Well You Get The Idea. Almost Done And I Think It Looks Very Nice, (just My Opinion) So Let Your Imagination Be Your Guide. Sorry I Dont Have The Abilaty To Post Photos. "jimmy"
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