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06-02-2013, 01:52 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Noxon Montana
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Polishing the Radiator shell
I would like to polish the stainless radiator shell and cowl band on my '31. What have some of you used to polish stainless. I have seen a number of products on the market, and also some companies that specialize in polishing metals. I would like to do this myself.
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'31 Fordor Deluxe 2W Briggs 170-B / blackwalls '41 Fordor Deluxe / 2-duece flattie '66 1/2 Dodge Charger '14 100th Anniversary Challenger Limited Edition. Semper Fidelis |
06-02-2013, 03:44 PM | #2 |
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Location: Jackson Michigan
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
try east wood products for polishing compound and buffing wheels....I am soing headlight right now.....works great.
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06-02-2013, 04:49 PM | #3 |
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Location: Eastern Tennessee
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
I use my variable-speed Bridgeport Mill with white rouge and a triple thick 10" sewn pad. The key to being able to get a lustre is you must have horsepower. My B/P has a 2hp 220v motor. I do not think you will ever receive satisfactory results with a pad on a ½-horse bench grinder. I use a Hutchins DA with Hook-it grit pads that start in 1000 grit and then 2500 grit to finish with to remove all scratches. Use water with the sanding. Then use a wood 2x2 framework to support the shell in 2 directions so the heat will not distort it. Make a framework to hold the cowl band to keep it from flopping and to press down against. When you buff, use plenty of rouge on the pad. The black residue is the "bear fat" grease that was there to hold the polishing aggregate. If you have enough Hp to apply, the black residue will evaporate as you are buffing. If not, all the grease does is smear and the compound cannot effectively cut the stainless.
There is way more to doing this task but this should get you started. I also think the more horsepower you have with your buffer, the more likely you are NOT going to sling the shell. I think it is because you are WAY more respectful of the machine and how it can get you hurt than what someone is with a dinky machine. |
06-02-2013, 04:55 PM | #4 |
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
Good question Ron, and a great explanation Brent. I'm cutting and pasting this for future reference.
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06-02-2013, 05:13 PM | #5 |
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Location: Napa CA
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
You might consider reading "Restoring Model A Stainless Steel" by Bill Reeder, on pages 68-72 of Volume 2 of How to Restore Your Model A. I found this article very helpful when working of my 1930 radiator shell and - to date - four headlamp shells.
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06-02-2013, 08:23 PM | #6 | |
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
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Quote:
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06-02-2013, 10:49 PM | #7 |
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Join Date: May 2013
Location: washington
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
Rock, I have a wheel and stand if you need to borrow it. I also think I have some pollishes too but not sure if I have what you need??
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06-02-2013, 11:15 PM | #8 |
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
Brent, I'm trying to picture this Bridgeport as a buffer setup, is the shell clamped to the table, or is someone holding it by hand? Bob
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06-03-2013, 06:46 AM | #9 | |
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Location: Eastern Tennessee
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
Quote:
A couple years ago I was in the market for a Baldor buffing machine and I struggled with where I was going to put it since I would only use it infrequently. I made the shaft and tried it, liked it, and never went back to purchase the buffer. My only dislike is the mess. . |
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06-03-2013, 03:59 PM | #10 |
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Noxon Montana
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
Thanks everyone ! 31 A4door, I'll call you.
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'31 Fordor Deluxe 2W Briggs 170-B / blackwalls '41 Fordor Deluxe / 2-duece flattie '66 1/2 Dodge Charger '14 100th Anniversary Challenger Limited Edition. Semper Fidelis |
06-05-2013, 12:19 AM | #11 |
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Re: Polishing the Radiator shell
I wet sanded mine with a foam block and 800 grit wet or dry progressively to 1500 grit. I did the final polish with a B&D 6 inch bench grinder with a rag wheel from the hardware store and some 3M machine polish. You will find that this method is inexpensive albeit somewhat time consuming and when you get to the 1500 grit paper that the shine is already mostly a mirror finish and that polishing is only needed to maximize the shine. It worked quite well for me.
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