Polishing Questions
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,798
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg MS
Polishing Questions
About to undertake the task of polishing rims, suspension pieces, intake, runners, etc. I would appreciate any tips, suggestions, time savings tips, etc. I understand the basics of sandpaper and working my way up to 2000 grit, but any worthwhile shortcuts will be appreciated. I have the time, will work on the energy. Just want to get it all done by our Winter local vette show. I remember someone buying some sort of kit from the hardware store with different buffing wheels or compounds. Anybody know what it was?
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
I say this with experience.... Pay someone to do it. By the time you buy all the required equipment and the numerous supplies you will still have a major amount of time to spend. Unless you can re-use the equip. and supplies it's financially better to pay someone. I had good experiencees with Mike Overstreet, Polishing INC who advertised on the forum(has a website) Good work on time. You simply cannot do it better and cheaper. I'm good with things mechanical and HAD a buffer. All the items add up. Buffer, die grinder, sanding rolls, grits wheels, grease,on and on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,080
Likes: 3
From: Clearwater FL
St. Jude Donor '06
http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox/tips/tips.htm
I got about $25 worth of buffing supplies from sears fro the drill and grinder and did lots of polishing under the hood and it turned out nice.
I got about $25 worth of buffing supplies from sears fro the drill and grinder and did lots of polishing under the hood and it turned out nice.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
I have a 94 Vette and I polished my intake and it turned out like crap.It had lots of craters in the intake when I polished it.That is how the aluminum is on your intake and you cant do anything about it.So I would not do your intake,unless you dont care about the craters.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 0
From: Speedo Indiana
Originally Posted by avtt94
I have a 94 Vette and I polished my intake and it turned out like crap.It had lots of craters in the intake when I polished it.That is how the aluminum is on your intake and you cant do anything about it.So I would not do your intake,unless you dont care about the craters.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,798
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg MS
Originally Posted by C4DC
http://www.gmtips.com/3rd-degree/dox/tips/tips.htm
I got about $25 worth of buffing supplies from sears fro the drill and grinder and did lots of polishing under the hood and it turned out nice.
I got about $25 worth of buffing supplies from sears fro the drill and grinder and did lots of polishing under the hood and it turned out nice.
THANKS
Racer
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 371
Likes: 0
From: Kingsport TN
To me your best source is Eastwood @ www.eastwoodcompany.com,
Their buffing wheels and compunds are better then any you will find at Sears, Lowes, and such. they have a great line for car guys and gals. From buffing, powder coating and hard to find tools. Also TarHeel Buffing products out of NC I think, is also very good and helpful. Just my .02. One big word of advise invest in a good mask and eyeprotection. You'll be a silvery/black by the time your done. And a grinder of the right speed to get the best results otherwise you sling off the buffing compound. Can get the spec'c for you or contact TarHeel they'll tell you. Patience is the key! A a good working knowledge of the english language, you'll be using a lot of it in combinations you never thought of before.
Good luck, sorry for the type-o's only have 7 fingers now
Their buffing wheels and compunds are better then any you will find at Sears, Lowes, and such. they have a great line for car guys and gals. From buffing, powder coating and hard to find tools. Also TarHeel Buffing products out of NC I think, is also very good and helpful. Just my .02. One big word of advise invest in a good mask and eyeprotection. You'll be a silvery/black by the time your done. And a grinder of the right speed to get the best results otherwise you sling off the buffing compound. Can get the spec'c for you or contact TarHeel they'll tell you. Patience is the key! A a good working knowledge of the english language, you'll be using a lot of it in combinations you never thought of before.
Good luck, sorry for the type-o's only have 7 fingers now
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,474
Likes: 1
From: 1
I got into polishing when I did my dad's Valve covers on his '77. Its very easy to get into, but it takes ALOT OF WORK. Its very very time consuming but it's one of those things that you get get alot of satisfaction from all of your hard work.
I read about that problem on a metal polishing forum. Be very careful when attempting to polish an LT1 intake
http://www.caswellplating.com/bbs/vi...&highlight=lt1
Originally Posted by avtt94
I have a 94 Vette and I polished my intake and it turned out like crap.It had lots of craters in the intake when I polished it.That is how the aluminum is on your intake and you cant do anything about it.So I would not do your intake,unless you dont care about the craters.
http://www.caswellplating.com/bbs/vi...&highlight=lt1