iboats - The #1 Store For Everything Boating
 
  #1  
Old March 13th, 2007, 11:50 PM
drewpster's Avatar
drewpster drewpster is offline
Lieutenant
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tennessee River, USA
Posts: 1,291
Default Aluminum Restoration

I have to start doing whatever I am going to do to get my aluminum parts restored. The easy (though expensive) way to do it would be to powder coat all the parts and be done with it. However I don't really like the look of white handrails and window frames. Does anyone know of a process that can restore my old aluminum? They include the handrails, window frames ect. ect...
__________________
Every Hunter that takes the best Deer and every fisherman that takes the best fish at the moment of that happening looks to heaven to thank the one that provided it for thanks is the first thought that comes to mind.

Link to 'Nostalgic's Resto
http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q...ter/Nostalgic/ (scroll down)
Link to the tri-hull transom job.
http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q.../thundercraft/
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old March 14th, 2007, 08:48 AM
tashasdaddy's Avatar
tashasdaddy tashasdaddy is offline
Moderator
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Jacksonville, Florida
Posts: 46,217
Default Re: Aluminum Restoration

haven't use it, but heard this stuff is good

http://gordsaluminumpolish.com/
__________________
FLORIDA GATORS
TEBOW Country

See you at the 2nd Florida get together, April 23-25, 2010. Crystal Springs, FL
http://forums.iboats.com/forumdisplay.php?f=13

we all need to support iboats marine store when ever possible. you get, competitive prices. fast shipping, top notch customer service. also it provides us, this great FREE forum.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old March 14th, 2007, 12:55 PM
jauguston jauguston is offline
Petty Officer 3rd Class
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Bellingham,WA
Posts: 87
Default Re: Aluminum Restoration

If you want to have your aluminum keep looking good after you restore it one option is to have it powdercoated with clear powder. I have a Eastwood Home Powder Coating system and their clear powder looks pretty good. I have clear powdered some polished parts on an old Sportster I restored. One thing to consider with powder is it has a build up that will increase the diameter of tubes. So if the tubes go through tight fitting stanchion brackets there could be a fit problem.

Jim
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old March 14th, 2007, 02:44 PM
iwombat's Avatar
iwombat iwombat is offline
Captain
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: North Bend, WA
Posts: 3,596
Default Re: Aluminum Restoration

If your aluminum needs substantial work you can always just paint it with hammerite or similar hammered-metal finish spray paint. Cheap, easy and looks good.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old March 15th, 2007, 12:25 AM
drewpster's Avatar
drewpster drewpster is offline
Lieutenant
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Tennessee River, USA
Posts: 1,291
Default Re: Aluminum Restoration

I remember seeing a product that is used to protect aluminum for extended periods. I think it is a two part product. I saw it online somewhere. Anbody know it?

I was hoping to finish the aluminum to a satin, rather than high polish. Anybody know a good process to do it.

__________________
Every Hunter that takes the best Deer and every fisherman that takes the best fish at the moment of that happening looks to heaven to thank the one that provided it for thanks is the first thought that comes to mind.

Link to 'Nostalgic's Resto
http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q...ter/Nostalgic/ (scroll down)
Link to the tri-hull transom job.
http://s136.photobucket.com/albums/q.../thundercraft/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old March 15th, 2007, 02:45 PM
iwombat's Avatar
iwombat iwombat is offline
Captain
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: North Bend, WA
Posts: 3,596
Default Re: Aluminum Restoration

Buffing wheels and air grinder with buffing pad if you want to keep the bare aluminum. It'll take a lot of elbow grease. Once you get it shined up, semichrome metal polish is hands down the best aluminum polish out there.

Eastwood (automotive company) has an excellent selection of polishing, buffing, grinding, and protective coating supplies.


Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old March 15th, 2007, 02:46 PM
iwombat's Avatar
iwombat iwombat is offline
Captain
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: North Bend, WA
Posts: 3,596
Default Re: Aluminum Restoration

make that simichrome

http://www.competitionchemicals.com/
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Aluminum boat restoration (pictures) josh6780 Boat Restoration and Building 8 December 15th, 2007 01:30 PM
18' Bluefin Aluminum Rebuild Restoration imported_Cpt_Quint Boat Restoration and Building 16 December 21st, 2006 11:25 PM
Aluminum boat restoration, paint? kiwi1982 Boat Restoration and Building 7 December 28th, 2005 12:45 PM
old aluminum boat restoration petekeuer Boat Restoration and Building 3 May 19th, 2004 04:04 PM
Aluminum Boat Restoration DJ Boat Restoration and Building 20 May 4th, 2004 08:13 AM

iboats Forum Directory
Over 100,000 forum posts organized by topic
Outboard Motor Topics
Mercury Outboards
Johnson Outboards
Evinrude Outboards
Force Outboards
Yamaha Outboards
Mariner Outboards
Suzuki Outboards
Honda Outboards
Chrysler Outboards
Tohatsu Outboards
Nissan Outboards
Outboard Motors: non-repair
Vintage Outboards

I/O and Inboard Topics
MerCruiser
OMC I/O, Inboard
Volvo Penta

Propeller Help
Boat Propellers

Boat Repair and Products
Boat Building and Repair
Fiberglass Boat Repair
Marine Electronics
Boat Trailers and Towing
Boat Names
Boat Covers
Boat Parts

Boating Activities Talk
Boating Topics and Questions
Boating Activities and Destinations
Boating Blunders
Boat Shows
Wakeboarding
Water Skiing

Fishing Discussions
Freshwater Fishing
Saltwater Fishing

Boat Type Topics
Aluminum Boats
Bass Boats
Bowrider Boats
Center Console Boats
Cruiser Boats
Cuddy Cabin Boats
Deckboats
Fishing Boats
Fish and Ski Boats
Houseboats
Jet Boats
Jon Boats
Pontoon Boats
Powerboats
PWC Forum
Ski Boats
New Boats
Used Boats

Boat Manufacturers
Boats 250+ Manufacturers
Bayliner Boats
Sea Ray Boats
Zodiac Boats



Outboards

Power Heads

Lower Units

Propellers

Inflatable Boats

Boat Manuals

Engine Parts

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:37 PM.