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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Can anyone give me directions to make my old car body trim look great, cheaply?
Q. Hello, I am restoring my 1967 Ford Fairlane, and I want to make the exterior body trim look new. I can do anything, but would need instructions as to the best way to achieve this. Can anyone tell me an inexpensive way to do this? I was told that most truck stops sell some kind of trim restoration polish that works great. Does anyone know about this? Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Specialty Woodworking - Edgewood, Texas
2006
2006
A. Letter 11151 MOONSHINE ALUMINUM POLISH has lots of info. But, "trim restoration" suggests that more than polishing is needed -- the plating or bright anodizing is corroded or worn through. Remove the fastener clips, then get everything stripped* and replated professionally. *Ask your plater about polishing after stripping. A book such as "How to Restore Metal Auto Trim" ISBN: 0760303312 may help.
Also, Everbrite [a finishing.com supporting advertiser] has materials and instructions on "How-To Refurbish Oxidized Anodized Aluminum."
- Goleta, California
Finishing.com honored Ken for his countless carefully researched responses. He passed away May 14, 2015.Rest in peace, Ken. Thank you for your hard work which the finishing world, and we at finishing.com, continue to benefit from.
Ed. note: Thanks, Ken. Indeed letter 11151 is fun and interesting, but readers should note the risks they are taking in buying unknown chemical mixtures from drifters.
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