takeing sctratches out of stainless steel chrome trim

[vegagtfan]

Hi all I was wandering does anybody know what to use to take out sctratches out of the stainless steel trim that is on the older Vega's 71-73 and what kind of polish I can use to polish them.

Thanks for anybody help with this,

Travis
76 Vega Gt Hatchback V6
72 Vega Gt Hatchback V8

[acstestinc]

Polishing stainless is best left to the professionals. It takes the right kind of equipment to get it done.

I tried on my wheel trim rings and didn't get very far.

[spyder_xlch]

Stainless is very tough. I know you need a fairly agressive polishing compound. Done right it can shine like a mirror.

[AusRs]

start out with 120 grit
go to 240 grit
go to 360 grit
go to 600 grit
go to 800 grit
go to 1000 grit
go to 1500 grit
go to 2000 grit
all wet and dry
have fun ........................its a pita leave it to the pros !

[jdandboo@hotmail.com]

dont forget,,direction you polish in counts,,,thinks like trim rings-i'd suggest complete circles,,on flat oblects use a figure 8,,,

[spyder_xlch]

I've heard to sand in the same direction throughout the whole sanding process. I've also heard to sand in one direction and when going to the next grit sand in a perpandicular direction. I've always sanded in the same direction. I also don't go any finer than 600 grit but that's on aluminum. The compound will take out 400 to 600 grit marks. I'm not talking about polishing by hand either. I know stainless takes a more abrassive compound.

[BFJ]

Polishing stainless is best left to professionals. It is a very tough metal that requires some pretty hardcore equipment. It can be done with a bench grinder and some buffing wheels, but requires alot of time to get professional results.
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[vegagtfan]

Well maybe I will just find some alumminiom chrome trim pieces off a newer Vega and polish them upand put them on my 72 at least I got the blocks of polish and a wheel to polish them up and make look good.

Travis
76 Vega Gt Hatchback V6
72 Vega Gt Hatchback V8

[spyder_xlch]

Travis, try it before you go get the aluminum pieces. You have nothing to loose. You will have to start with a different compound but I forget what it's called. I want to say it's green but I also want to say it's called black emery.

[v8astregt]

I use my buddy's high speed polisher. It's like a bench grinder, but much much faster and more powerful. There are two pads with two different grit polishes. It's hard work, but when you are done, it shines like chrome. But like it was said above, leave it to the professionals. The machine is so powerful, the material gets burning hot, and can distort aluminum easily (ask me how I know ). Also, if you don't grip it for dear life, it's easy to launch something across a room.

[Boostedballs]

"go to 600 grit
go to 800 grit
go to 1000 grit
go to 1500 grit
go to 2000 grit
all wet "
(quote stolen from above reply with changes)

is a good way to go but I would not start with anything courser than 600 grit. After the 2000 grit- try a product called X-Tream metal polish. It's a fiberous product similar to NeverDull but it is more aggressive. Stainless is hard and I would use a few layers of masking tape over the paint if you are polishing the trim while it's on the car. You'll need lots of elbow grease if the scratches are very deep.

angle grinder with scotch brite then felt pad and hard compound is great, if you have the tools.

[sayporsha]

What stainless trim is on a 71-73 Vega? I thought it was all anodized aluminum.

[cjbiagi]

Yeah, I don't think it's stainless you are looking at. If it's anodized you need to strip the anodizing off with a special chemical and then polish and buff. I have done some pieces on my car. I can point you in the right direction or depending upon what you need can possibly provide the service for you. The chemicals are basically a special type of acid and can be dangerous, same goes for using a buffing wheel if you are not careful. It's messy and time consuming but the results are generally excellent depending upon what you are starting with.

[72 SS PNL]

isnt the window trim stainless ?

[waybad]

I have been told that to get the anodize off, use easy off oven cleaner, be careful, it works fast!
LISTEN HERE,,,, WHEN YOU START TO POLISH,, USE GOOD GLOVES!!!!!!
My friend just about cut 3 fingers off when a stainless piece was grabbed and it was pulled through
his hand,, he was out of work for 3 months, and he is a body man BE CAREFUL!