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BIGMOE65 Jul 19th, 01, 7:12 AM I would like to refinish my 65 grille, what would be the best way to do it. I dont want to buy a new one because its in great shape except for being dull and faded. Does anyone know the original process on how the factory did it? I would be happy to trade machine shop work for refinishing work. 65elcamino Jul 19th, 01, 7:31 AM The 64 and 65 grilles have a hard anodized finish on the aluminum. This anodized surface has to be removed and then the aluminum can be polished with a buffing wheel. The buffing of a grille is not very easy with all of the small openings. The surface is then subject to the elements and will require occasional polishing, more if kept outside. The aluminum will oxidize just as it has already done (turned cloudy white). The surface can be reanodized, but this is faily costly. IMO it is better and most likely less costly to purchase one. ------------------ Brian TC#1092, ACES#4374 --------------------------------------------------------- 1964 Malibu SS Convertible (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino64f.jpg) (Restored Garage Queen) 1965 El Camino (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino1d.jpg) (Current project) 1981 Corvette (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/65elcamino81a.jpg) (Daily driver) Don_Lightfoot Jul 19th, 01, 10:55 AM As Brian has said, to buff a grill is difficult. It can certainly be done if you take your time and be very careful. A buffing wheel can "whack" that grill into some weird shapes if it catches on the wrong spot. I'm planning on doing my headlight buckets in the next week or so, but they are much easier to work with. Spray the Aluminum with some Easy-Off Oven Cleaner to get the anodizing off, let it sit for a while and then rinse off. Do this as often as necessary, may take 3 or 4 doses. Then you should be able to buff. ------------------ ACES #4241, TC #947 69 SS Sedan (http://www.angelfire.com/rock/69ss) BIGMOE65 Jul 19th, 01, 11:57 AM Don, After buffing will you coat the parts with clear coat. How about chroming the parts not considering cost, would it just look to shiny? 65elcamino Jul 19th, 01, 1:34 PM I recommend that you do not clearcoat them as it will eventually turn yellow. I stripped and buffed my original '64 SS anodized mouldings. I cleared them, later I had to remove the yellow clear. Another problem with clear coating is that if you do not get all of the buffing compound off with a thorough washing, the clear coat will end up peeling off during you first car wash. Don_Lightfoot Jul 19th, 01, 2:05 PM <BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 65elcamino: I recommend that you do not clearcoat them as it will eventually turn yellow. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE> Just put some good quality aluminum/stainless conditioner on it like Mothers. Reapply as necessary. ------------------ ACES #4241, TC #947 69 SS Sedan (http://www.angelfire.com/rock/69ss) | ||