1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

[Joe M.]

I thought I could polish the thin aluminum (Al) insert like I have been doing with the stainless steel pieces; WRONG. All I did was manage to give it a scuffed look.

What is the correct procedure to restore the shiny appearance of the thin Al piece?

Once I scuffed it up, none of my polishing compounds and buffing wheels restored the shiny finish it originally had.

[Al E.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

I used a polishing compound cream. it made it look new without a bright polished shine.

[Philip P.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

Joe
I used Mothers metal polish they turned out very well. Mine did not have any deep scratches and I did it by hand.
PHil

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

I have tried every type of polish and wax that I own and nothing makes the dull kick panel shine. I used Flitz cream, plexiglass polish, deep scratch formula and minor scratch formula, liquid wax, and jeweler's rouge. None of those products polished the dull aluminum.

I polished my air cleaner lid until it had a mirror finish on it using the Flitz cream (then I had to dull it down as it was to shiny).

I believe I caused the problem in the first place by using 3,000 grit sandpaper. I assume, incorrectly, that if you could wet sand paint to a deep shine with it, it would polish the aluminum insert the same way; wrong!

Does anyone have another recommendation besides buying a repro kick panel insert?

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

If I want to keep the original insert, I would have to strip the anodized layer with nasty caustic chemicals which would eat away some of the aluminum as well, then I could polish it like it originally was. The anodized layer provides a hard coating over the polished aluminum so that it resists scuffs and scratches. Without the anodized layer I would have a soft aluminum insert that would easily get scratched or scuffed. Time to think about purchasing a repro insert.

[Philip P.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

If they are still andodized I do not think that polishing will shine them up. When you used polish did it turn the cloth black if not I would thnk they have a finish on them. Mine did not appear to be coated either anodize or something else and polished easily with mothers polish.
I have been working on an orginal air cleaner (aluminum) and pretty sure it was never anodized. Also I have an article on polishing/restoring brighwork and he states not to sand with anything finer than 600 or it will not polish like you want it. If you want to read it I can send it via your e-mail.
Phil

[Paul J.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

I thought I could polish the thin aluminum (Al) insert like I have been doing with the stainless steel pieces; WRONG. All I did was manage to give it a scuffed look.

What is the correct procedure to restore the shiny appearance of the thin Al piece?

Once I scuffed it up, none of my polishing compounds and buffing wheels restored the shiny finish it originally had.

As you have already mentioned, you have to remove the anodized layer. No aluminum that I have ever seen in a finished automotive application is left unprotected. The "nasty" chemicals that you mention are not that bad, and can be bought at the home center. If you are careful you won't damage the piece at all. After you're through polishing, you need to have the piece re-anodized. Otherwise it becomes a maintenance item.

You'll have to make the determination as to whether or not it's worth it.

Paul

[Joe M.]

Re: 1960 Kick Panel Aluminum Insert- Can it be polished

Pair of repro is $80 + shipping. Probably my best option the next time I remove the kick panel.