Aluminium Parts Polished?!?

[DirtySouthRT]

This is going to be my first time doing this and I need a little help getting started. This is what I'm wanting to do.

I want the visible stock aluminium parts polished, like the Intake manifold, Alternator, A/C, A/C lines,...

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/alpolkit.htm

Is that all I need? Do I need to do any sanding to make the parts smooth.

Thanks for any help!

Adam

[pickleboy]

first off welcome to the forum and sorry for being long winded. that kit is a good choice just be careful of the sisal wheel. i personally dont use sisal on aluminum, its to aggresive and can do more harm than good if not careful. as for sanding most likely you will need to sand the parts first. start as fine a grit as possible to get the scratches/ casting marks out. i suggest starting at 220 and see how it looks. if it needs more back up to 180,120. work this up to at least 400 wet if not 600 wet. then start wheeling. be sure to read the online buffing manual also for info on cut and color motion it makes a difference when you move to brown and white. also make sure that you only use 1 compound per wheel or you will contaminate your wheels and possibly make more work for yourself. lastly when done be sure to coat your new polished work w/a good quality sealing polish such as maas or a high grade carnuba wax. or possibly zoopseal. best of luck bro and if you have a camera take pics before and after and post in the album at the top of this page so we can all see the fine work you do.

[DirtySouthRT]

what do I use to start wheeling?

[pickleboy]

sorry for the assumption. this kit is for use with a drill motor preferably corded. cordless drill mostly dont have the speed to do polish work. if you have a drill in the 2500- 7500 rpm range that will work fine. as for the dremel i use one myself but they lack the torque to get the job done quickly. i also use a air die grinder if you have one of those it will work fine. if you have a compressor and no die grinder they can be picked up at numerous local tool stores and home improvement stores. the kit you asked about is all 1/4" shanked so the dremel you have will fit with these pieces. lastly if you have a bench grinder you can get adapters to convert it to a buffing machine.

i would start by reading http://www.caswellplating.com/buffman.htm
This will help you get started...

Good luck with the alt .. Have all the parts glass beaded then hand sand to 600 grit