project 'shiny grill'

[Steve P5b]

I did post this on another web site a while ago but thought other rover folk may wish to share this, and to help 'roy of the rovers' out of course.

For all you p5 owners that are fed up with the dull looking radiator grill, here is some good news, it can be made nice and shiny without too much work. I hear you saying I'm happy with my anodised grey looking like a winters day grill, and that's fine. Others may not realise that lurking below that protective coating lies a lovely shiny finish that will enhance your cars looks no end. So before you get started there are a few tips and tools you need to collect before you begin. If you don't look around the cleaning products at your local superstore then next time your there get some drain cleaner, like this

Sodium Hydroxide content is what you require here, and please follow the H@S instuctions. Also while your shopping get some of these
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6pc-POLISHING-BUFFING-SET-mop-wheel-compound-polish-soap-drill-/181022112900?pt=UK_Home_Garden_PowerTools_SM&hash=item2a25c23c84

So now you have all the stuff required you can begin removing the grill and drilling out the individual grill segments. As you may have noticed these are in a particular order due to there size so keep them like that and cover each one in the drain cleaner solution.

Watch the magic happen as the anodising bubbles away. Try one piece at a time until you have an idea how long to leave in to soak. Wash off with plenty of cold water and your ready to begin polishing each piece individually until you have a most magnificent shine, just like
chrome!

Now when they are all polished, begin with the re-assembly (remembering to keep them in the correct order) with your trusty pop rivet gun



I painted my horizontal supports black to disguise them and make them disappear into the background and not detract from the overall effect.

After re-assembly protect you hard work with a good quality way, polish sit back and admire what you have done.








Hope you like it?

[eightofthem (Andy)]

Brilliant
Thanks for sharing that with us, it is a job I have to do sometime, so I will be having a go at that. Thanks

[p5tgc]

Would you lacquer the slats to keep the shine?

[Steve P5b]

Feb 5, 2013 17:02:21 GMT p5tgc said:

Would you lacquer the slats to keep the shine?[/quote

I'm sure the salt on the winter roads would eat the alluminium pretty quick, I don't use my car in the winter so not too bothered . Having said that it's been over a year and all is well with just the polish, can't see why lacquering would hurt though. Give it a go. Oh and the centre section comes up nicely too.

[johnwp5bcoupe]

Nice work

But they were never shiny from new they were Anodised

[Steve P5b]

[johnwp5bcoupe]

Feb 5, 2013 19:38:38 GMT Steve P5b said:

John, this is posted in the 'modified section'
For all you p5 owners that are fed up with the dull looking radiator grill, here is some good news, it can be made nice and shiny.

IE removing the anodising

Looks nice?

I know which section the post was in I like any other user can make a comment! mine was a "nice job" I only stated for the guys who may want to know what the original finish was

As to Lacquering bare Aluminium my opinion for"whats it's worth" is it will look fine for a while but it 2k won't bond to a polished surface it will crack and lift in time Acrylic Powder Coat Lacquer may be one of the options as it's used on wheels.

[petervdvelde]

Looks very nice Mahatmacoat, such a polished grill.
I would not paint the polished aluminum if you don't drive on salty roads or live near the sea. If you paint it and the paint get damaged by for instance a small stone, corrosion will crepe under the paint. Especially if things are easy accessible like the grill, i would not think of giving it a clear coat.I like polishet aluminum very much did quit a bit of polishing over the years and it lasts quit good. I am currently polishing the carburetors and inlet manifold.
Regards
Peter

[Steve P5b]

Feb 5, 2013 21:46:23 GMT petervdvelde said:

Looks very nice Mahatmacoat, such a polished grill.
I would not paint the polished aluminum if you don't drive on salty roads or live near the sea. If you paint it and the paint get damaged by for instance a small stone, corrosion will crepe under the paint. Especially if things are easy accessible like the grill, i would not think of giving it a clear coat.I like polishet aluminum very much did quit a bit of polishing over the years and it lasts quit good. I am currently polishing the carburetors and inlet manifold.
Regards
Peter

That looks fantastic, surely worth posting some info in the modified section, I'm all sure we'd like to learn from your methods.
Ive polished my manifold and know how time consuming it is, worth it though, all nice and shiny.
Maybe you could improve the air filter housing a bit though
Very impressed

[petervdvelde]

I had the same thought :)I removed the black paint and removed some dents from the filter housing and it will be shot blasted and painted soon.

About the method, the main tool is like you mentioned, a fair amount of time.
I start with my power file to remover the rough casting. On spots which cannot reached with the power file, i have a motor with flexible shaft and small grinding stones and sanding drums. After that i sand it with sand paper grade 80 followed by grade 400 and after that i polish the bigger surfaces with my home made polishing machine. For the small corners i have small polishing drums.
Attached pictures may make things clear

[petervdvelde]

and the motor with the flexible shaft

[Roy of the Rovers]

What a great job well done and in-keeping with the acres of chrome around it! Very Classic.

As an alternative people could spray the slats Matt or Satin Black or Gunmetal for a more sinister look.

[barryr]

Or gold plate for the Hispanic look- just perfect for the hydraulic suspension and....

Oh my God what am I saying,,,,,