Polishing tpi
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: '88 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Polishing tpi
I hand sanded then buffed with a die grinder, a felt wheel and Tripoli. Yes, it took forever but I didn't want any tool marks. The runners actually come out ok just by rubbing them with aluminum polish.
#3
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Polishing tpi
A grinder with a flap disc for knocking down hard corners and the mold marks. I used a belt sander for the large flat area on the plenum to ensure it is flat. Then a DA palm sander for dry sanding. Use a dremel to speed up sanding in the small areas. Then hand sand the plenum for wet sanding. Wet sand to at least 600 grit. Some people say it's not needed past that while others scream about going to 2000 grit. I usually go to 800 and stop. Purchase a buffing kit from Eastwood or Harbor Freight for you drill. Purchase an inexpensive drill that you wont care if you burn the motor up or fry the bushings. For runners see if you can get a set of SLP runners as they polish up easily and beautifully! They are not the best performance wise though.... For the base most people have it powder coated black, natural aluminum or the chrome color. Polishing the base takes many, many hours and the end result is that it is hard to see through/beneath the plenum, runners, fuel rail and sensors.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Toronto
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: '88 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Polishing tpi
Mac sells wheels that mount to a die grinder. Comes out perfect but takes a while. The bench grinder wheel would be ideal if you have the space.
#7
Re: Polishing tpi
Polishing is a progressive process.
I use various grits of cartridge rolls combined with hand work, expansion wheels and belt sanders to remove the casting marks and ridges. Once smoothed out, I get to the small spaces with bobs and felts, then I move to the buff jack using various wheels and compounds.
If you haven't ever polished before, expect to spend many hours on it.
The end result will be worth it.
When properly polished, all that's needed to keep the shine is to wash it like the exterior of your car and wipe it down between washings. You could have it cleared or powder coated, but IMO it dulls the shine. And if it gets any abrasions, it has to be redone to remove the marks. Where-as with a good polish, it just takes a few minutes to refinish it.
Coatings also tend to discolor.
JMO...YMMV.
I use various grits of cartridge rolls combined with hand work, expansion wheels and belt sanders to remove the casting marks and ridges. Once smoothed out, I get to the small spaces with bobs and felts, then I move to the buff jack using various wheels and compounds.
If you haven't ever polished before, expect to spend many hours on it.
The end result will be worth it.
When properly polished, all that's needed to keep the shine is to wash it like the exterior of your car and wipe it down between washings. You could have it cleared or powder coated, but IMO it dulls the shine. And if it gets any abrasions, it has to be redone to remove the marks. Where-as with a good polish, it just takes a few minutes to refinish it.
Coatings also tend to discolor.
JMO...YMMV.
Trending Topics
#8
Senior Member
iTrader: (3)
Re: Polishing tpi
Stacey David, on his 'Gearz' show mentioned these products for polished aluminum: http://www.sharkhide.com
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Riverside (Wood Crest) , CA
Posts: 727
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Pontiac trans am
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Polishing tpi
#10
Re: Polishing tpi
Stacey David, on his 'Gearz' show mentioned these products for polished aluminum: http://www.sharkhide.com
If you read this procedure, it's contradictive. Use Mother's polish to get the mirror shine, but after that, don't use Mother's polish as it will dull the shine.
"After you have wetsanded with 1500, buff out again with 3M restorer. Follow with MOTHERS aluminum polish and you should have a "mirror" professional looking shine.
CARE TIPS:
DO NOT use mothers or any other type of "aluminum" polish once the plenum has been high polished. Simply use Windex and streak with paper towels. Rubbing compound, Mothers, Blue Magic, and any other "aluminum" polish will leave fine scratches that will dull the shine."
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gixxer92
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
5
09-01-2015 04:32 PM
BlackphantomZ28
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
0
08-22-2015 01:00 PM
kah992
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
2
08-19-2015 02:55 PM
Sanjay
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
1
08-12-2015 03:41 PM