Topic: Polishing Stainless
in Forum: C3 Body
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I'm trying to polish my t-top bar, it came out pretty decent but I have certain sections that look like swirl marks, or they resemble the "Brushed" stainless look. I've tried everything, buffing wheels on a drill, using the red, brown, and white polishing rouge. I've used billet wax, chrome cleaner and stainless wax too
!

I've even tried some pink colored treated cotton in a can stuff (it really is very good) and that hasn't worked
.

I'm I not doing / using something right, or should I just send it out to get done ?
Thanks for any and all suggestions.
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Bladenboro, NC - USA
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Vette(s): 1972 conv., sunfire yellow, blk interior, blk vinyl and convertible top. Off frame restoration with American Speed 383 stroker engine producing 500hp plus a 200hp NOS system. MSD ignition. Hooker super competition headers with chambered exhaust.
Stainless steel is an iron based alloy with a minimum of 50% steel. I've seen my buddy sand scratches out with very fine sandpaper, then polish it. Like Jayare said, you're probably going to need a high speed buffing wheel.
Rather than take the chance, I'm probably going to send it out. Using a high speed wheel would most likely take care of it, but I already scorched my last t-bat. As for sanding it, I might give it a try, how bad can I screw it up ?
I believe I would get the 2000 grit from a auto paint store. I screwed up stainless once before with a more agressive paper.

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Some of that stuff may be anodized, and that makes it almost impossible t polish. Don't think the t-top bar is, but, ya never know. Ya'll ever tried to polish the rocker panels on a Shark? Cain't do it!

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[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]Some of that stuff may be anodized, and that makes it almost impossible t polish. Don't think the t-top bar is, but, ya never know. Ya'll ever tried to polish the rocker panels on a Shark? Cain't do it!
[/QUOTE]

I spent 2 days trying to polish those
there was absolutely no noticeable difference 


On the other hand, the t-bar does look like chrome in the area's that are not scratched, or has the "brushed" look. I know that someone with the skills and tools can make it look nearly new or better.
I have polished alluminum before and the trick is to sand out scratches until they disapear and then buff. If you have scratches you have to use a finer grade of sand paper until the scratches disapear. The finest should make it shine and then you buff


in Forum: C3 Body
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