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Removing anodize from aluminum trim.
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Author:  HyperValiant [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 12:05 am ]
Post subject:  Removing anodize from aluminum trim.
Does anyone have a suggestion? I am currently restoring the trim that surrounds the grill on my 60 Valiant and the anodize coating is faded but the trim is perfect and would like an alternitive to sanding the coating so the polishing process would go easier.
Thanks in advance
HyperValiant
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 11:19 am ]
Post subject: 
H'mmm. What're your plans for refinishing these pieces? They were originally anodised for a good reason: It's tough to get the needed durability with other surface treatments on a production-line basis at a production-line price. If you polish them and coat them with a quality clearcoat, it'll probably last pretty well for you. But, be advised there are services that specialise in restoring the original Brite-Dip anodising to pieces like this.

Short answer: I don't know how to strip the coating without spoiling the part.
Author:  65 dartman [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
I have a set NOS headlight bezels sealed in the boxes and and just won a set of restored ones for my 65 Dart from Anobrite. On the restored ones, the old coating was removed, metal polished and re-anodized/bright dipped or whatever the procedure is called. After comparing each, I decided to send out the rest of my aluminum trim to be redone. The NOS is nice but the restored is nicer! All that said, I too don't know how the old coating is safely removed.
Author:  Dennis Weaver [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
...but I do. :P :lol:

Carefully (gloves, safety goggles, you know the drill) dip parts in a solution of lye and warm water until the anodizing is gone. I usually rinse part with a little vinegar to counteract any lye which works its way into nooks or crannies. Re-polish part as you would any bare aluminum and clear coat if desired. Note that the part will not be exactly the same look as a re-anodized part and the lye will etch into (open up) any porous or corroded areas that may exist in the piece. Definitely don't leave the part in the solution overnight or long periods.

D/W
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 2:26 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
I have a set NOS headlight bezels sealed in the boxes and and just won a set of restored ones for my 65 Dart from Anobrite.
What'd they cost?
Author:  HyperValiant [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:04 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Dennis,now, what ratio would you mix the lye and water and where would one get lye at?

Dan,I stripped the grille on my 71 dodge pu (a sloooowwww process of water sanding with grits from 320 to 1500) and polished it back out and keep it polished with Mothers mag wheel polish and a coat of wax about every 6 months and it has held up for 4 years now and it is driven daily.I do agree that the anodize was applied for a very good reason-durability-but, I dont think that the average Valiant buyer in 1960 (or any other year for that matter) would spend as much time on upkeep as some who rebuilt the same car 46 years later, and I like the true polished look.Plus,I have more time than money.

BTW Dan,if your still interested in the bumper guards I have,
your welcome to them.


Thanks
HyperValiant
Author:  Pierre [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:07 pm ]
Post subject: 
I'm pretty sure lye is a hardware store item....

You can also get it in aerosol form that you can use direct w/o mixing. Look for "Easy-Off" brand oven cleaner in a rattle can.
Author:  Dennis Weaver [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:10 pm ]
Post subject: 
I just experiment around, not too weak, needs to be pretty strong. Easy-off is way to wussy, I've attempted to use that with little success. As with any possibly destructive process you learn of from a stranger over the internet, try it with a scrap piece of anodized aluminum trim before proceding to the keepers.

D/W
Author:  SlantSixDan [ Thu Feb 02, 2006 7:52 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Thanks Dennis,now, what ratio would you mix the lye and water and where would one get lye at?
Drano crystals (drain cleaner) are lye.
Quote:
I dont think that the average Valiant buyer in 1960 (or any other year for that matter) would spend as much time on upkeep as some who rebuilt the same car 46 years later
True enough.
Quote:
BTW Dan,if your still interested in the bumper guards I have,
your welcome to them.
Cool, thanks, those were from...what year and model again?
Author:  HyperValiant [ Fri Feb 03, 2006 8:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Dan,those were front guards from a 60 Val but may be the same as a Lancer.
As far as the procurment of the lye goes,I went to 5 different places today and found that due to some ignorant dumbasses tendency to use it in the manufacture of meth and that this area has fairly large amount of meth makers it is near impossible to find so I will try the Drano ,and yes,I will experiment with some scrap trim first.

Thanks again
HyperValiant
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