Polishing Engine Parts
03-29-2007, 11:44 AM
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Polishing Engine Parts I used the search but had no luck. Is it possible to polish parts in the engine (by myself)? For example the A/C canister/condenser. I know you can send parts out and have them done professionally, but is it possible to "Do it yourself"? If there is a write up, or any possible way it can be done? I would appreciate it. Thanks.
03-29-2007, 01:00 PM
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yes go to any auto part store and get metal polish. i use a wax applicator pad and i rub it on for a few mintues then i wipe it off with a shop paper towl. some stuff wont get shiny, other stuff will. i bought a kit for my dremel that has polishing wheels and stuff, i just need to get motivated to try it out.
03-29-2007, 03:14 PM
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I agree. I just got a little jar of the mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish and did the AC condensor and lines last night. It works with just paper towels. I just sampled it too and its half way mirror polished. I'll be going back under the hood tonight but with cotton towels to see what else I can bling out and I'm sure it will yield better results.
Oh, and I did the dremel thing too. It works great on those parts that need you to get in those little crevices, but you'll go through a million of those polishing attachments (at like $2 a piece) if you plan on polishing solely with that. Go over it all with sand paper first and then go back and get those places you couldn't reach with the dremel......then touch it all off with the polish.
Oh, and I did the dremel thing too. It works great on those parts that need you to get in those little crevices, but you'll go through a million of those polishing attachments (at like $2 a piece) if you plan on polishing solely with that. Go over it all with sand paper first and then go back and get those places you couldn't reach with the dremel......then touch it all off with the polish.
03-29-2007, 03:43 PM
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Polishing engine parts is easyish if you have a looottt of patience. For items that are already pretty smooth like the ac condensor, a little sanding and some mothers billet polish and walah. Items that have casting need to be worked until smooth.
Here is an example of a project that I have been working on and it just shows that when you remove that casting, It can be beautiful, just needs some time.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/667487-some-lt1-bling-bling.html
Mike
Here is an example of a project that I have been working on and it just shows that when you remove that casting, It can be beautiful, just needs some time.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/appearance-detailing/667487-some-lt1-bling-bling.html
Mike
03-29-2007, 04:55 PM
#7
it can be done but it takes forever. its all about working the sandpaper up to at least 1000 grit, 2000 if youre hardcore.
then break out the metal polish.
ive done a little on both my camaros.
then break out the metal polish.
ive done a little on both my camaros.
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03-29-2007, 07:41 PM
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To polish the A/C canister/ condenser, did you guys pull it out, or do it while it was still in the car. If you pulled it out, how difficult was it to remove? Thanks
03-30-2007, 08:58 AM
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I would just guess, if you start w/anything more than 220ish, you're working far too hard and thinning the materials excessively. So, start about 220ish, work to 300ish, 500ish, maybe 800 then 1000 and on from there, maybe 1400/1500 and then 2000...thoughts?
03-30-2007, 12:11 PM
#15
there is no set way to do it. just start as rough as you need to smooth out any texture. then work up in small incriments and take your time. work up to 2000 for a real nice shine and polish.
03-30-2007, 12:12 PM
#16
When I did my calipers I think I started with 220, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 2000 or something like that. Just make sure you get as even, and smooth a surface as you can with the paper you're on before moving on to the next grit. By the time you're on 1000-2000 grit the metal will look good as is and shouldnt have any visible lines or pits. If it does then you need to sand more. Just a tip for the A/C canister (I havent done mine yet) it looks like its got a lot of large flat surfaces so a vibrating sander might come in real handy for the most part to speed things up. I might give mine a try this summer 
03-30-2007, 02:38 PM
#18
Originally Posted by Duffster
I would just guess, if you start w/anything more than 220ish, you're working far too hard and thinning the materials excessively. So, start about 220ish, work to 300ish, 500ish, maybe 800 then 1000 and on from there, maybe 1400/1500 and then 2000...thoughts?
