Results 1 to 6 of 6
  1. #1

    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    2,457
    Post Thanks / Like
    In our work on turning this `70 Karmann Ghia into a JagGhia [BTW, for those who haven`t seen the pix of this vampiric transformation, you can see them here ] we`re picking up lots of parts from junkyards ... errrr ... I mean auto salvage yards. Most need some serious rehab/polishing. I have many metal-cleaning/polishing products on hand. But a lot of them are only to be used on either "clearcoated" or "non-clearcoated" metal. Is there some relatively-simple way for me to know whether the part I have in hand is clearcoated or not? (BTW, I`m not talking about big parts like wheels; I`m talking about small parts -- door handles, antenna parts, and other small attachments.)



    I feel like surely this is a stupid question, especially considering how long I`ve been in Autopia. So, ... although I thoroughly expect somebody to remind me that "The Search Engine is My Friend," I hope you`ll go easy on me.

  2. #2
    Brad B's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
    Location
    St. Louis
    Posts
    4,970
    Post Thanks / Like
    That is a good question, Lynn. It`s hard to tell. But, I will bet that none of the bright metal parts on the Ghia, er JagGhia, are coated.



    You need a buffer or a grinder with a polishing wheel attachment and some assorted rouges. White and red are what I use 90% of the time. This is the ONLY way to clean/polish/recondition stainless steel, aluminum and chrome.:up
    The Stable
    2017 Audi TTS
    2014 Porsche Carrera S
    2017 Porsche Macan GTS
    1996 Porsche Carrera 4S

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    5,775
    Post Thanks / Like
    I agree, I think this IS a very good question, and I don`t know the answer either. I think somebody said you just try using some metal polish on an inconspicous area and see if it turns blue or something?



    Fortunately for me I have only occasionally run across any "brightwork". :p

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Posts
    5,775
    Post Thanks / Like
    Lynn, you might try detecting any form of oxidation. This may be difficult if the parts are dirty and may need to be cleaned and allow to dry completely. This will probably only work for aluminum parts. Normally stainless oxidation can be denoted by gross inspection - rust. Wipe the cleaned and dried aluminum parts with a white rug and note if any greyish residue. Hope this helps a little.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Location
    Williamstown, New Jersey
    Posts
    1,720
    Post Thanks / Like
    Lynn,



    At the very least, you could use a magnet to help you determine what type of metal you are dealing with.



    A magnet will be attracted to most metals that contain steel and not attracted to aluminum.

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Posts
    2,457
    Post Thanks / Like
    Originally posted by Brad B.

    It`s hard to tell. But, I will bet that none of the bright metal parts on the Ghia, er JagGhia, are coated.
    Agreed. But the deal is, we`re pulling parts off much newer cars for tiny little fittings -- e.g., just this weekend, needing the metal "surround" piece for the Ghia, we found a comparable metal piece from a salvaged `90s Honda, which fit. Knowing how cheap car-makers got, I`m running on the assumption that it`s some sort of cheap metal that`s clear-coated to give it a shine ... but ... :nixweiss



    You need a buffer or a grinder with a polishing wheel attachment and some assorted rouges. White and red are what I use 90% of the time. This is the ONLY way to clean/polish/recondition stainless steel, aluminum and chrome.:up
    Oh super. More power tools to buy.



    Lynn, you might try detecting any form of oxidation. This may be difficult if the parts are dirty and may need to be cleaned and allow to dry completely. This will probably only work for aluminum parts. Normally stainless oxidation can be denoted by gross inspection - rust. Wipe the cleaned and dried aluminum parts with a white rug and note if any greyish residue. Hope this helps a little.
    OK. I must be REALLY obtuse, blkZ28Conv -- But are you saying that chrome won`t oxidize, whereas other metals and metal-finishes will? I guess I`m really confused as to what`s the base metal (aluminum, stainless steel, etc.) and what`s the finish (e.g., chrome-plating, clearcoating, etc.) and how all that affects our polishing. :nixweiss

    And, yep, I do begin by cleaning all these parts with a car wash soap or APC (depending on extent of filth). I`m just confused about how to "ID" the metal/finish after it`s clean.



    At the very least, you could use a magnet to help you determine what type of metal you are dealing with. A magnet will be attracted to most metals that contain steel and not attracted to aluminum.
    But, mirrorfinishman, like I said above, does the type of base metal determine the finish? or are those unrelated?



    Or, .... am I just making too much of this? I`ve read and heard that certain metal polishes are more aggressive than others, and that you thus need to use the "correct" polish for the finish. But maybe I can just grab my gentlest polish -- regardless of whether I know what type it is or what finish it has -- and work upwards on abrasiveness in the typical Autopian fashion? :nixweiss



    I guess if I would just "get with the program" and buy new cars, this wouldn`t be a problem for me. I could just rest assured that all the parts were made of recycyled milk cartons, and go from there.

 

 

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. OTC Metal polishing- Mothers metal polish
    By Orinda Auto Detail in forum Auto Detailing 101
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 12-04-2012, 11:19 AM
  2. how do you know if it clearcoated?
    By White lexus 23 in forum Professional Detailer General Discussion
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 04-04-2007, 06:59 AM
  3. Anyone use Impressive Reflections Heavy Metal polish for metal?
    By 94BlkStang in forum Car Detailing Product Discussion
    Replies: 27
    Last Post: 10-09-2005, 08:17 PM
  4. Clearcoated metal- Harleys
    By shotime in forum Boat, Motorcycle, and RV Detailing
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 05-01-2005, 10:24 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •