73S - anodized trim cleaning/polishing?

[mac73s]

The attached photo shows the current condition of the lower trim on the quarter window glass. I would appreciate hearing if the condition of this piece is fatal (sure hope not), and if anodized trim is something that does not typically take to normal cleaning or polishing as other metals do (everything I have in the garage says not to use on anodized aluminum), can the anodized coating be removed and then the item polished in a traditional manner? If I am ultimately faced with replacing these window surrounds, I'd just the soon try something aggressive first and see what happens. Thoughts most welcome. Thank you.

[blucille]

timely question.

I've done this a number of times and am working thru it right now.

On various cars I've had over the years, I've found different anodizing and different materials, each of them respond to a variety of techniques, but I never know which is best until I dig in.

I've used acetone, paint thinner, sometimes even rubbing alcohol is enough to remove some black paint that previous owners have applied.

for deep anodize removal, something lye best is needed....but the concentration varies from piece to piece.

I've used drain cleaner (the most caustic you can buy, hair and grease removal, typically found in a black bottle that comes in a zip-lock bag in the big box stores).....I've used royal purple cleaning spray, seems gentler, and I've used the yellow ez-off oven cleaner.....

and then polish, mag wheel cleaner, mothers brand is my choice, flitz metal polish is pretty good, too, or any of the specialty brands from eastwood, or others.

some say rubbing it down with WD-40 will preserve the shine, I prefer a wax every six months (mothers wheel wax is a good choice).

I'm working on a project now, where I'm removing the black anodize from some trim, and this kit came highly recommended, although pricey for what it is.... https://mercedessource.com/store/ano...estoration-kit

good luck and let us know how you proceed and how the results stack up.

[Cliff]

This might help? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=v7TnNEBy3tI

[mac73s]

timely question.

I've done this a number of times and am working thru it right now.

On various cars I've had over the years, I've found different anodizing and different materials, each of them respond to a variety of techniques, but I never know which is best until I dig in.

I've used acetone, paint thinner, sometimes even rubbing alcohol is enough to remove some black paint that previous owners have applied.

for deep anodize removal, something lye best is needed....but the concentration varies from piece to piece.

I've used drain cleaner (the most caustic you can buy, hair and grease removal, typically found in a black bottle that comes in a zip-lock bag in the big box stores).....I've used royal purple cleaning spray, seems gentler, and I've used the yellow ez-off oven cleaner.....

and then polish, mag wheel cleaner, mothers brand is my choice, flitz metal polish is pretty good, too, or any of the specialty brands from eastwood, or others.

some say rubbing it down with WD-40 will preserve the shine, I prefer a wax every six months (mothers wheel wax is a good choice).

I'm working on a project now, where I'm removing the black anodize from some trim, and this kit came highly recommended, although pricey for what it is.... https://mercedessource.com/store/ano...estoration-kit

good luck and let us know how you proceed and how the results stack up.

Thank you for taking the time with such a comprehensive reply...plenty of materials and techniques to try. I did review the suggested video on Quick-Glo that Cliff offered....will look at their website to see if its recommended for other surfaces other than chrome and glass. Thanks again!

[blucille]

lots of you tube videos if you want to sit in front of a computer

[Veronica87911]

I saw a thread regarding the use of Autosol metal cleaner and some talcum powder.

[91133]

I saw a thread regarding the use of Autosol metal cleaner and some talcum powder.

That would be me…this frame looks like nothing. Here is the post here http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...-Today/page202 and on to page 203

Cheers,
Mark

[Veronica87911]

That would be me…this frame looks like nothing. Here is the post here http://www.early911sregistry.org/for...-Today/page202 and on to page 203

Cheers,
Mark

Got some and will be doing the frames this weekend. I actually tried it on my stoveptop Bialetti espresso maker and it went from being tarnished to shiny.

[Eminence Gris]

Having used very fine sandpaper to remove the clear anodized surface on some deeply scratched trim, I have to say that the anodizing is surprisingly thick on some of these pieces. It would be *theoretically possible* to sand out very fine scratches or cloudiness. Having said that, the last set of trim I did on a hot rod 911, I completely removed the anodizing and polished the aluminum, then clear coated it. Shinier than original, and certainly less durable, but our cars don't lead rough lives any more.

I have done some experimentation with removal, polishing and re-anodizing, but it is not for the faint of heart, as the anodizing can end up mottled for no apparent reason.

[Fishcop]

Has anyone given "chrome" powder coating a try?