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2/04/2022 12:06 PM  #1


Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

I am trying to strip the anodized coating off the hood and grille aluminum trim on the 69 coupe. Easy-Off oven cleaner did absolutely nothing after repeatedly spraying it for four hours. (In 70  degree temperature)

I sanded it with some 180 on a rubber block after removing the dents. That took it off, but is alot of work, and will require follow-up with 400 and maybe finer.

My plan is to get it all cleaned up and have it powdercoated in chrome-type silver.

Anybody found a way to remove it easily?


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
 

2/04/2022 1:02 PM  #2


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

On the trims I did not replace I used 1500- 2000 wet/dry silicon carbide sand paper to remove the anodize and then a ten inch buffingwheel going to lesser and lesser grades  of polishing compounds to finish them to a bright lustre.
To prevent further corroding I shot a clear acrylic on them. The rattle can acrylic seemed to dull the high shine and made the trim look like it was original.
In the many times my car was judged at MCA events no points were ever lost because of non original looking trim.


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

2/04/2022 1:31 PM  #3


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

I have a technique but it is nasty $#!? When I am anodizing parts I somtimes need to redo it.  I dip the parts in a solution of lye and water.  1 gallon to 3 oz.  It will take the anodizing off quickly but it will also eat the aluminum so don't leave it in there very long.  I also use it as an aluminum etch prior to anodizing.


If it isn't broken...modify it anyway! http://www.DazeCars.com https://galaxieforum.boardhost.com
 

2/04/2022 5:13 PM  #4


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Thanks, guys

I wound up sanding with 180, which removes the finish pretty quick as long as fresh sandpaper and water is used.
Followed with 400, then 1500. I plan to rattle can some clear on it as a finish to keep the aluminum from tarnishing.

Only problem I have now is it looks like the fenders have to come off in order to get the left and right side trim off.  Maybe some 69 owners can let me know an easier way.

I am pretty happy with the straightened aluminum trim.  One advantage to watching Overhaulin’ is you can actually learn a little here and there.  You cannot tell where it was dented.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     Thread Starter
 

2/04/2022 5:18 PM  #5


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Guess I got lucky with the EZ Off. The pieces that laughed EZ Off were the lower and side grille surrounds. For those I used a drum flapper on a drill.

I had one C shaped outer trim piece that had a big dent. Figured trying to straighten wouldn't hurt. Like yours you can't see where the damage was located.

Last edited by Bearing Bob (2/04/2022 5:21 PM)


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

2/04/2022 5:49 PM  #6


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Small picking hammers are available for smoothing stainless and aluminum bright trim.
There used to be a fellow around my home town that excelled at restoring trim.


Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
 

2/04/2022 6:21 PM  #7


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Bearing Bob wrote:

Guess I got lucky with the EZ Off. The pieces that laughed EZ Off were the lower and side grille surrounds. For those I used a drum flapper on a drill.

I had one C shaped outer trim piece that had a big dent. Figured trying to straighten wouldn't hurt. Like yours you can't see where the damage was located.

Where are the attaching points for those C shaped side pieces?  I see one stud at bottom and one (hard to get to) at the top. Any more than that and pulling the fender end cap would be necessary?  Or is there a trick?  I don’t want to sand them in place. Both of mine are nice condition. They just don’t match the refurbed bottom piece.

I had bought a new lower moulding. It was stainless and not shaped correctly. Figured a reworked original was better.

I liked the BB2 satin-look trim on your 69.  Seems to be right at home on that car.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     Thread Starter
 

2/04/2022 8:14 PM  #8


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Thanks Steve, I too like the satin finish. Only cost is some elbow grease.

Oy, R&Iing those outer C moldings is tough, but doable. There are 3, the top 2 can be accessed from above, the bottom one from thru the wheelhouse.



The top nut is accessed thru this opening.



The middle has been the most difficult for me, and ya get to it below the ledge.




The bottom nut holds the C molding and the center V molding, and is the easiest to get to from below and thru the wheelhouse with the tire removed. You probably know, but the plastic front wheelhouse shield needs to be removed.

These are the top 2 from behind.


upload


Bob. 69 Mach 1, 393W, SMOD Toploader, Armstrong  steering, factory AC.
 

2/04/2022 10:29 PM  #9


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Thanks for the pics. Thinking those C mouldings might just have to stay right where they are for now.


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     Thread Starter
 

2/05/2022 4:45 PM  #10


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

This is how my lower grille moulding turned out. It was dented and dinged.   This is painted with rustoleum CHROME and GLOSS CLEARCOAT.  Not too far different than the old anodized C pieces. I think I will do all four pieces like this and let it go until the car gets a paint job someday.





The streaks are reflection from overhead lights. The fact that they will reflect something is a good thing!


Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     Thread Starter
 

2/06/2022 10:39 AM  #11


Re: Anyone successfully strip anodizing from Mustang trim?

Looks pretty good to me.


65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
 

Board footera


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