Renewing aluminium parts

[Tronch]

Hi all

I´m a new member proud owner of BT7 1959, from Spain.

My question is how it´s the best way to renum the aluminium parts expressely the screen pillars and the cockpit mouldings

Saludos

 

[BlueRidge2]

Hi Tronch, I think the pillars are to be painted the body color of the car. I priced having the cockpit moldings
anodized but thought it was to expensive for my liking.
If your not real particular about orginality you can have the pieces buffed or buff them yourself fairly easily. I
found that it was not difficult to remove scratches and knicks with a fine sand paper then buff on a tight wheel followed by buffing with mothers polish on a looser wheel.
Bob G

 

[Tronch]

Thanks Blueridge2, I will try it, because in my BT7 the pillars wasn´t painted body colour.

 

[stinky60]

Hi,Tronch,your pillars might have been painted, but the paint has all been worn off or weathered off over the years,as with my BT7,as for the cockpit trim,I am going to buff and polish.good luck and have fun with your Healey. /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif

 

[Johnny]

As an alternative to buffing you might try what I did on the cockpit surrounds. I first sanded with fine sand paper (600 grit then 1000, then finally 1500), filled any large holes or scratches then finally primed, then top coated with "Eastwoods" aluma-blast paint. Finally applied some clear coat paint to seal all. They look good and will last longer then buffing. The paint looks very similar to the original finish called anodized. The windshield posts should be painted body color. good Luck
[image]https://f9g.yahoofs.com/groups/g_19522984/7d42/__sr_/5e97.jpg?grg46wFBrGryGFet[image]

 

[John Loftus]

There are also special clear coats and prep agents for clear coating aluminum. Por-15 makes one called Glisten or look for prducts to clear coat aluminum wheels.

Cheers,
John

 

[Tom R3]

Tronch, if you can't find traces of paint,your car most likely didn't have painted pillars. I have owned several BT7's(one 61 and two 62's)none of which had painted screen pillars and I am positive they were original to my cars.

There was a thread last year on restoring the aluminum surrounds, you should check the archives.
Tom

 

[Tronch]

Thanks to all

But IMHO as my BT7 is one the first number 2232, I think wasn´t painted.
I d´ont find a single particle of paint on it.

I tried the sand paper and later clean with a nickel scouring pad and the shine is perfect, like chrome.

Pedro (tronch)