Metal Polishing Newbie

[simbasupra]

Once i get my car back from the bodyshop, i was thinking of doing some engine polishing. Does anyone know of a starter step by step guide? I'm a mechanic so am compentent at removal/installation, however don't know anything about the polishing side if things. I like to do these kind of things myself and not take them to a specialist place.

I have searched the internet but can't really find an easy guide. Does anyone know of one that lists tools, procedure etc.

Also would you say it would be possible for results like the items on this website if doing it from home:
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubbrowse.asp?start=0&selected=1619099

Thanks.

[SupraAyf]

Colin (Colsoop) may be able to give you some ideas on polishing mate;)

[SupraJames]

I have done bits before, would not really attempt it unless you have a big bench mounted polishing wheel, and a selection of buffing wheels. I bought a polishing kit of Ebay which comes with some compounds and other little bits, but would recommend looking at some semi-pro stuff. All depends what you want to polish up, the cast parts like intake manifold and turbo hard pipes take a very long time if you dont have the right equipment. I used sandpaper from like a 60 grit downwards to try and smooth the cast parts then rough to smooth buffing wheels, but still took ages. Small parts are ok and you can get some good results. I did this Throttle Cable holder as well as some other parts.

Before
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r310/unlimited-styling/before.jpg

After
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r310/unlimited-styling/After.jpg

[simbasupra]

thanks for the replys, i have pm'd colin aswell.

Just out of interest how much total would i be looking at for equipment.

[SupraJames]

Something like this is what you need, I have something like this just a bit older.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BENCH-POLISHER-UNIT-TOP-BRITISH-BRAND-HEAVY-DUTY_W0QQitemZ370034399178QQihZ024QQcategoryZ64819QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[simbasupra]

Something like this is what you need, I have something like this just a bit older.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BENCH-POLISHER-UNIT-TOP-BRITISH-BRAND-HEAVY-DUTY_W0QQitemZ370034399178QQihZ024QQcategoryZ64819QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

thanks mate, so would that be all that i would need tool wise?

also can you get them with built in motors that will run of mains?

sorry if these are stupid questions:)

[SupraJames]

Also any metal parts you polish up will need to be protected after polishing or they may rust or oxidise, so they can be laquered or coated with a metal protector (sorry dont know much about those) either that or keep them clean..!
Can highly recommend as will many on here the Briliant range of metal polishs, and their metal restorer is fantastic stuff.

[simbasupra]

Also any metal parts you polish up will need to be protected after polishing or they may rust or oxidise, so they can be laquered or coated with a metal protector (sorry dont know much about those) either that or keep them clean..!
Can highly recommend as will many on here the Briliant range of metal polishs, and their metal restorer is fantastic stuff.

yeah was thinking about this too will probably laquer them, would you use normal bodywork laquer?

[SupraJames]

Did not check that lol, thought it came with a motor..!! Mine is an all in one unit, does not have the variable speed though.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ELECTRIC-MOTOR-3-4-H-P-SINGLE-PHASE-240V-1400-RPM_W0QQitemZ370035291715QQihZ024QQcategoryZ22662QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Theres a motor im sure would work with it.

Yeah I just used normal clear laquer in a can lol, works for me.

[colsoop]

Right what are you polishing first as there are different methodsa for different parts.

The basic principle is to start off with an abrasive like a flap wheel or orbital sander to remove any deep pit or cast marks.
Followed by a rough mop to remove the abrasive marks then a medium mop to remove the first mops marks finall finishing with a loose fold mop which just polished the surface rather than cutting.

How much do you have to spend and how serious are you at wanting to do this. I warn you it is a dirty job and very time consuming.

You should be able to get good results although i doubt you would get a finish as good as that without a lot of practice and decent tools.

If you give me some more details i can help you out further.

[simbasupra]

Right what are you polishing first as there are different methodsa for different parts.

The basic principle is to start off with an abrasive like a flap wheel or orbital sander to remove any deep pit or cast marks.
Followed by a rough mop to remove the abrasive marks then a medium mop to remove the first mops marks finall finishing with a loose fold mop which just polished the surface rather than cutting.

How much do you have to spend and how serious are you at wanting to do this. I warn you it is a dirty job and very time consuming.

You should be able to get good results although i doubt you would get a finish as good as that without a lot of practice and decent tools.

If you give me some more details i can help you out further.

I was thinking about doing a few small things to start with:
power steering reservoir, battery clamp etc.
then move on to medium sized things:
alternator, pulleys etc.
then carry onto large things:
cam covers, manifolds etc.

I would be willing to spend say £200 on tools do you know of any kits in this price region that contain everything?

Time wise at the moment i use it as an everyday car, however do have a motorbike aswell so can use it if it takes longer than planned.

I am very interested in doing this as i like to do things myself, as i feel it's half the fun, and like to say it has been all done by myself.

[colsoop]

I was thinking about doing a few small things to start with:
power steering reservoir, battery clamp etc.
then move on to medium sized things:
alternator, pulleys etc.
then carry onto large things:
cam covers, manifolds etc.

I would be willing to spend say £200 on tools do you know of any kits in this price region that contain everything?

Time wise at the moment i use it as an everyday car, however do have a motorbike aswell so can use it if it takes longer than planned.

I am very interested in doing this as i like to do things myself, as i feel it's half the fun, and like to say it has been all done by myself.

Right ok

The machine itself that i would recommend although maybe a bit overkill is this:

(you will need a bench or somewhere to mount it to)
Also don't worry about the shields they are useless for polishing !

http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/2/product-Creusen-8000-Double-Ended-Polisher-21952.htm

It has a 5 year guarantee and is designed to be used for long periods of time, you can buy a cheap motor but it isn't designed for the specifics of polishing and the loading required.

An alternative with less power and large mop handling is this:

http://www.axminster.co.uk/recno/1/product-Creusen-7000-Double-Ended-Polisher-22332.htm

For the metal finishing side of it then i would get a selection of mops.

In various sizes:

sisal:

6x1"
6x1/2"
4x1"

white

6x1"
6x1/2"
4x1"

calico G

6x1"
6x1/2"
4x1"

the compounds you will need are

sisal
tripoli
sovereign green
Blue
You may want to invest in some felt mops too for the intricate areas and use those with an electric drill and flexi drive.

There are lots and lots of tools and compounds and mops to sue those are a basic guide if you want more info or help i will try my best. I may be able to get you a discount on the machine if you decide to buy one of the creuesen units.

The parts that you mentioned wanting to polish (battery clamp. ps reservoir) will need chroming to protect them from rusting (although they still will if left un cared for)

[simbasupra]

thanks very much colsoop, will let you know if i need anymore help.

Thanks.

[simbasupra]

any comments on this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/6-Bench-Grinder-Polishing-Machine-polishing-kit_W0QQitemZ260221805018QQihZ016QQcategoryZ9946QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

i know you usually get what you pay for.

[colsoop]

It looks like iot would be ok. it doesn't have much pwoer though so you wont be able to put a lot of pressure on it and will have to use slightly smaller mops. i couldn't say what it will be like over time for heat build up, i hope it has a thermal cut off for safety though.
I would also get a calico g mop with a blue compound for final lustre.

[simbasupra]

thanks colin,

just so i can get my head around it, would you say this process is correct:

1. SISAL MOP - GREY CUTTING POLISH
2. COLOURED POLISHING MOP - BROWN MEDIUM POLISH
3. CALICO FINISHING MOP - GREEN FINISHING POLISH
4. CALICO G FINISHING MOP - BLUE FINISHING POLISH

sorry if it seems a stupid question just like to fully understand before i start buying things.:)

[simbasupra]

It looks like iot would be ok. it doesn't have much pwoer though so you wont be able to put a lot of pressure on it and will have to use slightly smaller mops. i couldn't say what it will be like over time for heat build up, i hope it has a thermal cut off for safety though.
I would also get a calico g mop with a blue compound for final lustre.

I see what you mean about the power it is only half that of the first one you posted. however i think it does have a cut off switch though.

[colsoop]

Not quite, although with polishing it is experimental.

Grey compound (supercut 40)heavy marked or cast parts (will remove 240 grit abrasive marks)

brown compound(tripoli) sisal mop or white mop (for soft Aluminium )

green compound (sovereign green) white stitch mop will remove the marks from sisal stage.

blue compound calico g mop for final finishing.

Don't forget to clean the parts after every stage of polishing, lime powder is good for that.

Also please use the appropriate safety gear. a full face mask (ideally) = thick riggers gloves + an apron or overalls and a dust mask.

Watch which way the mop is spinning and don't let the mop run to the edges of the part or it will catch and ping it in your face (hence the full face mask)

Apply the compound for 1 second while the mop is spinning and then regularly after that, little and often is the key.

Also buy a wire tipped brush for cleaning the mops. After use they will become caked in compound and will need to be cleaned after each use to restore them to their soft state(only white and calico stages need cleaning)

[simbasupra]

thanks! just one thing with the grey compound, what type of mop/tool is used?

[colsoop]

thanks! just one thing with the grey compound, what type of mop/tool is used?

Sorry the sisal mop is used.