I recently acquired a 63 Starfire and do you guys have any ideas-tricks that you have been successful with to clean/restore/polish the vast amount of brushed stainless steel side panels ( not sure if it's even stainless steel ) including the interior trim? At this moment I have some small buffing wheels that I can put on my small cut off wheel, air tool with different levels of polishing compounds, very very fine steel wool, wax

. Thanks.

 

The side trim is machined aluminium. PM 'oldskeeper' about maintenance, he reproduces the stuff.

 

Thanks Ill look him up...

 

I'm no expert but I think the exterior trim is anodized, I know the grille and other parts are. I would definitely NOT use a buffer on an anodized part but leave it to the experts as to how to work on it.

 

Don is correct the embossed aluminium panels are anodized and buffing is a no no. In my opinion you have a few options, replace, paint or leave them alone. If you remove them and try to re anodize them the acid wash used to strip the anodizing will also eat away at the material and remove the lines. After stripping you can't repair the lines ( I know, I've tried it) and when they are re anodized the material will have what is referred to as a snowflake pattern. The aluminium is not pure aluminium and the other materials are eaten away at a different rate and the silicone being removed will create patches in discoloration.
I do make these panels along with rocker molding clips, cruise control rack and gear drive for the thumb wheel. Also remaking the cruise control linkage rod for 63. TV rod for the transmission adjustment.
Steve
Oldskeeper
Jaswest

 

Thanks guys for your input. Actually the side panels are in great shape just looking to make them better that's all.

 

I stopped by Rob's house this afternoon while I was taking my 1946 Cushman for a spin. He only lives about 1/2 mile from me. This is a very nice car but his 64 Cutlass is a sight to see, Good to meet you Rob.

 

Too bad you don't reproduce side trim for 57 olds