File to brushed

BMK · #1 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 05:51 PM

I know there are a lot of Threads here on polishing an aluminum body to a mirror finish, but have not found a Thread that indicates a start point and finish for obtaining the brushed look. - second stage.

What time is estimated to get the Body to a brushed condition?

What are the paper grit ratings to this brushed stage?

If anyone could link me to a Thread that would be great. Or even your own experience would be a great help. Thanks for the advice guys.

Bernie

400TT · #2 (**permalink**) 09-16-2011, 06:50 PM

Bernie, link to the old Kirkham manual below. Has instructions on sanding and scotchbrite process to get to a brushed finish.

KM 427 Assembly Manual

BMK · #3 (**permalink**) 09-17-2011, 02:53 AM

400TT

Craig,

Thanks for the link. Yes I was curious as to what actually was involved in a brushed finish and the steps to get there.

Seems time is the key factor...

RON N BKFLD · #4 (**permalink**) 09-17-2011, 06:53 AM

Bernie,,,,about 400 hours, file to polished. a little more than half that for brushed..see my gallery,,,,,,,Ron

BMK · #5 (**permalink**) 09-17-2011, 06:58 AM

Thanks Ron.

Yes I have checked your gallery. Thanks for the recent reply regarding the cars there.

Think I am about to add a Kirkham to the garage here.

Superarnie · #6 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 02:25 PM

Hi Bernie, I have an aluminium bodied AC Superblower which I have given a brushed finish with the two polished stripes. I got this idea after seeing the Kirkhams finished this way. I started off using P120 grit paper on a DA sander to removed the main scoring created at the welded joints. Down the middle front to rear I went to P240 on the DA, then P400, P800 and then P1000 grits. I then used a cutting/polishing compound called Nuvite polish. I initially cut the aluminum with 'C' grade' then a finer Nuvite 'S' grade and that brought the mirror finish out. I then masked off the striped and casrried on with the brushing on the rest of the car. I used a finer grit, P240 but brushed this by hand front to rear. I finished the process with the red scotchbrite pads to give a silky sheen. The whole process took me many hours, I would estimate 400-500 hours in all. You need a lot of patience and it takes some commitment but gives you a great deal of satisfaction when finished. I hope this help you.
Below are a couple of links to images of my car body. Hope this helps you!

Regards
Gary

Dimis · #7 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 06:37 PM

Bernie,

Your going to need more room in that garage of your.

I'd be happy to help you out by offering a "free" home to any of your beasts

You could cover the rent by taking me in a blast in any of your toys

Best of luck mate.

Dimis · #8 (**permalink**) 09-19-2011, 06:48 PM

SUPERARNIE - that's a huge effort!
I hope you had mates to share the load.
Well done!

Jamo · #9 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 01:09 AM

Bernie...I wrote them a check. The Windex was free.

BMK · #10 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 05:01 AM

Superarnie

Thanks for sharing your photos and the efforts involved.

Mmmm must say I am starting to think like Jamo.

However, the car will arrive in a file finish if I go down the path of purchasing a roller. So
that was my question about what is involved in taking the body from file to brushed finish.

So I am looking at over 200 hours of work, yes may follow up with my aluminum tanker trailer polisher....

BMK · #11 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 05:06 AM

Dimis

Thinking of moving the Mustang on. There are one or two toys in storage in Mt. gambier not to mention a Baum purchase!! So the boss has suggested she would like to keep her spot in the garage.

So common sense will prevail so the Cobra if/when it arrives will park under the GT40...

BMK · #12 (**permalink**) 09-20-2011, 05:11 AM

Jamo

Anne has plenty of Windex here so I see the direction I will go. Bet I will get her maintaining the brushed finish. Then again I did tell her I will be buying it for her to drive!! Thanks again for our thoughts.

Bernie

Bernie

BMK · #13 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:12 PM

On it's way and in Australia mid to late January..

The the Shelby engine a few weeks later..

fordracing65 · #14 (**permalink**) 12-24-2011, 07:17 PM

The Kirkhams will do it for you as an option, its that easy.

BMK · #15 (**permalink**) 12-29-2011, 11:26 PM

Yes thought about having it done there.

But about half way between the US and Australia..

Jamo · #16 (**permalink**) 01-01-2012, 05:47 PM

Seems to me you could've worked out something with Sammich...you know, pay his way on the boat (steerage) so he could do the brush finish on the way there. Let him stay a day or two...hell, buy him a couple of Big Macs...and then kick his ass back on the boat.

BMK · #17 (**permalink**) 02-01-2012, 12:27 AM

Jamo,

Just saw this mate. No think if he comes out, I will get him to brush finish it. Then sponsor him to stay here. My cars, garden, pool all need attention. Plus a few more customer cars, and yes I will feed him the two Macs per day..