TR6 TR6 aluminum ring restoration help

[ichthos]

Hello,
I am trying to restore the aluminum trim rings for my TR6. They had a few dings and deep scratches I worked out, but how do I restore the original finish? Any help would greatly be appreciated.
Kevin

 

[72TRLVR]

I don't have the answer, but I am going to stay tuned to see if there is one. I have the same issue with one of my original rings for my 72. How did you go about making the repairs so far?

Thanks,

72TRLVR from Bothell, WA.

 

[DNK]

There is a guy up by me who has done some great work for me quite a while go.

 

[Crisis]

Do you mean the wheel trim rings? If you do, I to have trouble getting these to shine. Makes me think they are stainless steel and not aluminum. They are so hard that the buffer doesn't seem to make any change in their appearance.
I'd love to see a solution to this as well. They would look great with a brilliant shine to them.

 

[ichthos]

I am still puzzled how the wheel trim rings were given the finish they have. I normally just polish all the metal. I got one of the buffers on sale at Grizzly, and one of the kits with instructional video from Eastwood when it was on sale a couple of years back. I have been very pleased with both. Are you sure the trim rings are stainless steel? I have no problem with making stainless steel shine like chrome. Trying to fix chrome is another story for me. The chrome plate is normally so thin that by the time I work out a scratch, I end up burning through the remaining chrome plating.

As far as what I have done so far, I slowly worked out dents by using an anvil and different shaped wood blocks and a hammer. I used a block with sandpaper to check my work along the way. Normally when I prepare aluminum to be buffed, I gradually make my way through different grits until I finish it off at 400 grit.

If all else fails, I will just buff them out. It is a very dirty and time consuming process. The bottom line is I like the look of the original finish.

 

[mallard]

The original trim rings for the TR6 had a satin, almost brushed look to them and were made of aluminum. They should not have a polished look to them. If you order a new set from any of the big3 you will get polished SS. Some people like the chrome look but it's not correct. If you can find a original set or NOS in great shape expect to pay a small fortune for them. Use cation though there is an aftermarket set that was sold back in the day that was aluminum, and had the correct finish. The best way to tell the original from the AM is the outer rim. The originals will have a slight dish shape to them. As to finding someone to restore them like original, good luck. I wish I could help.

 

[72TRLVR]

Thats what I'm talking about. I have been looking for one replacement since I bought the car back in 87'. Hard to come by the original aluminum, satin finished rings. Love the look, hope to find one someday! Still the damaged one looks fine, but has a couple deep scratches.