Topic: Brushed aluminum Restoration

[ceswert]

 I recently purchased 2 original door panels with brushed aluminum inserts. The inserts have some shallow scratching and what looks like small blotches of oxidization or discoloring. Is it possible to restore them to a decent original level? I am concerned that the brushed feature may be diminished.

[Bob Gaines]

I recently purchased 2 original door panels with brushed aluminum inserts. The inserts have some shallow scratching and what looks like small blotches of oxidization or discoloring. Is it possible to restore them to a decent original level? I am concerned that the brushed feature may be diminished.

You have a good reason to be concerned. First off the panels are bright dip anodized so you would have to get that chemically removed first before trying to refinish . Most don't and that can be seen in the less good results. Many have tried ,both enthusiast and professional but I have yet to see any redone that looked very close. From miserable to sort of close.  Compare the many hours of work to achieve a less then factory look to the minimal relatively speaking dollar outlay of one of the better repro door insert . You may be (as the saying goes) " penny wise and pound "in this case. In any case I have yet to see refinished door insert panels match unmolested original dash panels.

[ceswert]

I kind of figured that. I really wanted the vinyl door panels, which look very good. The grain and finish are really a lot different than the repro's I have. Thanks Bob. HNY!

[Bob Gaines]

I kind of figured that. I really wanted the vinyl door panels, which look very good. The grain and finish are really a lot different than the repro's I have. Thanks Bob. HNY!

Congrats on the good panels because that is the biggest issue. IMHO.