polishing aluminum
01-29-2006, 01:57 PM
#1
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polishing aluminum I tried to polish my throttle body yesterday, but it came out like crap. What am i doing wrong, and am i using the right stuff? I pulled it off ,sanded all the residue and the surface to make it somewhat smooth. After that i took a dremmel with some metal polish an went to town. I got a little shine and alot of pivets. I have seen other peoples polished parts, and they came out like chrome. What am i doing wrong ,or did i skip any steps? Tell me how to do it the right way. (without paying for it 
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01-29-2006, 04:48 PM
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Well, what polishing compound did you use in the final stages? Might not be the right one maybe?
I'd venture a guess that it can't be much different than the process the guy used to polish calipers. Aren't TB's forged with iron? They look like they are.
I'd venture a guess that it can't be much different than the process the guy used to polish calipers. Aren't TB's forged with iron? They look like they are.
01-29-2006, 05:03 PM
#3
From the sound of it you skimped on the most important step. Sanding. You said you made it somewhat smooth and then it had pivots when you polished it. In order to get a good mirror like finish you have to sand that thing down to be perfectly smooth. Start with big grit and work your way to 2000 grit paper if you're doing it by hand. After sanding it should look really good as it is and be perfectly smooth to the touch as well as visibly smooth. After that then you can start with the polishing compound. Good luck and be patient.
01-29-2006, 07:28 PM
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What grit sandpaper did you use? Try starting out with 1000 then 1500 and then 2000. Then polish it out. Should be fine. Mothers Mag polish is what I've used in the past with great results.
01-29-2006, 07:52 PM
#6
ok here it goes newbie....j/k....i have polished a couple of stock ls1 throttle bodies in my time....here are some steps
1. you remove the throttle bodyfrom the intake and them remove all the sensors and crap
2. you then begin to wet sand it with a 220 frit to get all the rough areas...amke sure you apply alot of pressure...and dont be afraid to be sanding it for a while in the same area so you can remove any real rough spots
3. then go on to a 320grit, 400grit, 600grit, 800grit, 1000grit, and then finish off with a 1500grit....remember to wet sand during all of these steps....
4.dry and clean the intake and make sure it no longer has aluminum residue from the sanding on it...
5.start to polsih it with your choice of aluminum polish...i make my own but if i did not i'd prolly go with mothers billet polish...
6. once you've given it a couple of coats of mothers and wiped it off with a 100% terry cloth towel...admire your beautiful work!!!
7. final step...and this is a must...take alot of pics and post in here of your work!!!
i also polish the butterfly on the TB as well and the spring too!!
here's what it will look like...pics below
1. you remove the throttle bodyfrom the intake and them remove all the sensors and crap
2. you then begin to wet sand it with a 220 frit to get all the rough areas...amke sure you apply alot of pressure...and dont be afraid to be sanding it for a while in the same area so you can remove any real rough spots
3. then go on to a 320grit, 400grit, 600grit, 800grit, 1000grit, and then finish off with a 1500grit....remember to wet sand during all of these steps....
4.dry and clean the intake and make sure it no longer has aluminum residue from the sanding on it...
5.start to polsih it with your choice of aluminum polish...i make my own but if i did not i'd prolly go with mothers billet polish...
6. once you've given it a couple of coats of mothers and wiped it off with a 100% terry cloth towel...admire your beautiful work!!!
7. final step...and this is a must...take alot of pics and post in here of your work!!!
i also polish the butterfly on the TB as well and the spring too!!
here's what it will look like...pics below
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01-30-2006, 05:00 PM
#10
Originally Posted by LS1 GG
Wow steveo that looks absolutly amazing!
thanks man...it takes me alot of hard work and time for me to polish up all my stuff and i do all the work myself...it feels good when someone gives you a comment and compliments you on your job well done
01-30-2006, 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by steveo346
i have polished a couple of stock ls1 throttle bodies in my time....
i also polish the butterfly on the TB as well and the spring too!!
i also polish the butterfly on the TB as well and the spring too!!
You just made this next weekends project for me!
01-31-2006, 11:38 AM
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Originally Posted by RrCoX22
Dude is that the stocker..... holy shiot.
You just made this next weekends project for me!
You just made this next weekends project for me!
I'll be starting mine this afternoon.
01-31-2006, 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by FIREHAWK#608
....haha but its kool your engne does look freaking sweet 
oh bythe way im steveo346 but logged in on a friends comp
02-01-2006, 08:28 AM
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Originally Posted by RAIDER
firehawk that **** looks awesome, but what i was wondering is, is everything pretty much covered in this thread or is there a step still missing? thanks
