72 Rocker panel cleaning

[Gary S.]

One of the aluminum rocker panels on my 72 is slightly discolored or shows some sort of blemish, but only in spots. I assume that this is a breakdown in the anodizing. I have tried gentle cleaners and waxes without success. Is there any way to clean up the surface of an anodized aluminum piece without destroying the original look and making it all the same finish and appearance? The repro rocker panel I have on the one side is in very good condition and shows no wear and tear or difference in appearance throughout its length. Unfortunately the repros don't have the mounting tabs, as is well known. So, I would like to clean up my one with the mounting tab so it looks as good as the repro unit. Any ideas?
Gary
72 LT1

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Just curious Gary, which side has the problem of being discolored?

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Right side. Are you suggesting that there may be a problem here?
Gary

[Wayne K.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Gary,

Below is a link that might give you some ideas and you can ask a question as well.

http://www.anodizing.org/faqs.html

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

No Gary not suggesting that at all. I ruined the left side rocker panel on my 70 about 20 years ago and replaced both rocker panels and still have the passenger side. Was thinking about putting some parts for sale in the Driveline. I know my wife will throw all my stuff away some day.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Jim I used steel wool and then bought a new one. What did you try? Lyle

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Wayne, thanks for the link. VERY intersting. However, considering the, more or less, reasonable cost of used rocker panels in good condition, I don't think that sending them out is the way to go for me.

I was hoping that there was something I can do to clean up what I have. My repro unit looks great, with the exception of the missing tab.

Gary

[Harmon C.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Gary I searched the Carlisle fairgrounds all day Thursday and bought the only two rocker moldings with tabs I found one at a time. I may have missed some or was too late but they were hard to find. Lyle

[Gary S.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

I found two sets on Saturday, buried in a huge pile of mostly repro units, that were good enough to put on my car. They weren't as nice as the repro I have on there but still...

Gary

[Jack H.]

Hint--outlive her! *NM*

[Chuck S.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Now, that's the really depressing part of shopping for used parts at Carlisle and other swap meets. You spot something recognizeable from a distance, but when you pull it out, it looks like Frankenstein's daughter. Then, the search for the grail continues through the piles.

You just wonder how many mint condition trim parts have been beat-up beyond usability by these junkers tossing this irreplaceable stuff on and off trailers, and transporting it from one swap meet to the next. They don't care...heck, it's all iron to them, or is it "parts is parts".

If they can find a schmuck to buy it, the price is the same whether it's mint or MBAR (marred beyond all recognition). If it's not the vendors' set-up, it's your Corvette buddies tossing a fragile center instrument cluster aside to eyeball the differential resting on once original dash pads. There oughta' be laws! :-(

[Jim T.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

I let a floor jack slip from the frame and it caught the rocker panel and bent it.

[Harmon C.]

Re: 72 Rocker panel cleaning

Jim I seen that same thing happen in the trailor lot at hershey changing original tires. Lyle

[Gary S.]

Well said! *NM*