Aluminum finish

cwcad

cwcad

New Normal
Out of neccessity I had a union sheet metal workers shop make a canopy for my black truck. I had it designed to incorporate the use of my tonneau cover as the lid or top of the canopy. I think the shop workers did a great job in fabricating the canopy.
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There is one problem...

this
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and this
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I went to two name brand auto parts stores this evening. Neither of them had even heard of 4000 grit sand paper. Nor had they heard of 3000 grit sand paper. One had a eight inch stick on 2000 grit sand paper. The other had 1500 grit paper on hand but not hook and loop.

Having seen the dilema that I have....Do you think that I have a chance of diminishing or correcting these scratches by using my PC and 4000 0r 3000 0r 2000 grit sand paper? Using the least abbrassive method first then going stronger to get the desired results.

Some of the marks on the side of the canopy could cut your finger they are so sharp and jagged.

If the sand paper route with a PC is the possible working solution where does one purchase this type of sand paper using the hook and loop system of the PC using an online vendor? Does anyone have a link to a distributor that I can order from? Will I be able to purchase a hook and loop 4000, 3000, or 2000 grit sand paper for the PC?

Any thoughts on products and process would be greatly appreciated.
 
hmm. I woudl say it woudl be best to sand the sheet metal with 600-800 grit, use a filler/epoxy primer and paint it to match your truck. That would be alot less work then trying to get those scratches out and I think it would look ALOT better.
 
when working with alum. deck plating at the hyperbaric chamber we used on of those wheels for your drills to try and put those circle marks in.

something like this I can get a better pic when i'm at work on staterday
pumperbody.jpg
 
DKKNE said:
hmm. I woudl say it woudl be best to sand the sheet metal with 600-800 grit, use a filler/epoxy primer and paint it to match your truck. That would be alot less work then trying to get those scratches out and I think it would look ALOT better.
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I agree, even if you have a cheap paint job done it will look alot better.

Or you could use a grinder of sorts and install some stylish swirls like holland_patrick suggested.
 
Thanks for the opinions guy's. Painting is just not in the works at this time.

I would like to try sanding but do not want the stylized look as was on the picture of that Holland Patrick offered.

Since I have more time than money I would really like to find the real high grit sand paper that I have heard talked about on this and other forums. The parts stores in Fairbanks have no clue as to what I am talking about. For that matter neither do I.

I was hoping that someone could give me a link to a site that sells these high grit products. I have been unable to find anything that is even close to what I would like to try.

Once back to Texas I will have six months to get it painted.
 
cwcad said:
Thanks for the opinions guy's. Painting is just not in the works at this time.

I would like to try sanding but do not want the stylized look as was on the picture of that Holland Patrick offered.

Since I have more time than money I would really like to find the real high grit sand paper that I have heard talked about on this and other forums. The parts stores in Fairbanks have no clue as to what I am talking about. For that matter neither do I.

I was hoping that someone could give me a link to a site that sells these high grit products. I have been unable to find anything that is even close to what I would like to try.

Once back to Texas I will have six months to get it painted.
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Go to 3M's site. i've got 1,2, and 3000 grit from them.
 
Great Greg!! This is something to ponder. Thanks for the link!!

Was hoping to get something that would attach to a PC or my wood sander that I have. Can't have everything. Guess it will be a long hand job with these products.

I am going to go and sleep on it. Gotta get up early tomorrow.
 
TrueDetailer said:
Go to 3M's site. i've got 1,2, and 3000 grit from them.
Click to expand...

I have been to a lot of 3M distributors but have not gone to the 3M site. Will spend some time tomorrow nite seeking out that site. Thanks, TrueDetailer.
 
I went back to Carquest on Saturday afternoon after work. The place was empty and there was a knowledgeable attendant there that was able to get me the products that I think will do the job. He informed me that the products that I have previously mentioned were to mild. He stated that I might want to try 800 then 1000 followed by 1200.

Unfortunately I did not purchase enough pads to do the job. Inexperience on my part.:wall Monday I will go back and get the amount of pads to complete the project and post the results when finished.
 
Why couldn't you go at it with a power drill and a wire brush? If you follow a linear pattern, you'd just end up with uniform brushed aluminum.... the scratches that are already there would presumably blend in, at least for the most part....
 
Shiny Lil Detlr said:
Why couldn't you go at it with a power drill and a wire brush? If you follow a linear pattern, you'd just end up with uniform brushed aluminum.... the scratches that are already there would presumably blend in, at least for the most part....
Click to expand...

Mostly I am not interested in that kind of look. I could certainly do that but it would be a last resort kind of thing. I am more interested in polished rather than brushed.
 
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