era fia alum side panels

[otto]

anyone ever remove them to refinish them , I have a lot of antifreeze stains that are etched into the panel's

[patrickt]

You can't just clean them in place with 600 grit sandpaper?

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by patrickt

You can't just clean them in place with 600 grit sandpaper?

As the retired body shop owner, I believe 600 grit is too course, recommend 1,000 grit wet/dry (always wet).

[patrickt]

Alright, you can't just clean them in place with 1000 grit wet sandpaper?

[otto]

not sure I can get a good finish in the car , out of the car and on a table would be easier to get a good grain finish

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by patrickt

Alright, you can't just clean them in place with 1000 grit wet sandpaper?

Actually, you can, and I have

Originally Posted by otto

not sure I can get a good finish in the car , out of the car and on a table would be easier to get a good grain finish

You can also use grey (automotive) scotchbrite pads (roughly 800 grit) with automotive grade soapy water and get a good grain finish. The trick is sanding back and forth in one direction, and not cross ways, or in circles.


Bill S.

[strictlypersonl]

The front wheel-house panels are "glued" to the chassis rails with silicone sealant. They can be removed, but they might be slightly damaged in the process. I would try to do any restoration in place.

[otto]

thank you for all who have replied

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by otto

thank you for all who have replied

Did I make mention to disconnect the battery before you do this clean up work in the engine compartment

[patrickt]

I just walked down and looked at mine. I wouldn't dream of removing them from the car just to clean them up. Just take everything down that might be on them, like reservoirs, etc., and then do like MM suggested -- especially disconnecting the battery (and bleed off your MSD capacitor as well). Oh, and if you do have the black Girling reservoirs on there from the old Austin Healey cars, if you even look at them cross-eyed they will start leaking.

[1985 CCX]

Fine scotch brite pad. Easy

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by 1985 CCX

Fine scotch brite pad. Easy

You know, I had a funky stain on the piece of aluminum that runs along the top of the radiator, is about three fingers wide, and runs the distance of the engine bay between the two fender wells, and that's exactly what I used to make it disappear. That must have been about twelve years ago and I'd completely forgotten about it until now.

[otto]

will give the gray scuff pads a try and see how it goes
thanks again

[CompClassics]

Before you try ANY abrasive cleaning options please give this product a try. I use it exclusively for just what you are describing. You will have to remove any dissimilar metal objects like cadmium plated nuts and bolts but this stuff is the bomb when used as per instructions. The biggest benefit is that it does not alter the factory finish of the panel like abrasives would do.

[patrickt]

Now I just view marks and stains as "elevated patina."

[Karl Bebout]

Comp, thanks for the tip. I've been slowly trying to clean my bay aluminum after stupidly using purple stuff to clean. Used it on my wheels too. ****eza! What a job that was!

I'll be getting some of the Aluma Kleen.

[CompClassics]

Karl,

You will be thrilled with the product, I was!