I've got a few scratches on my titanium shift knob, any ideas how to get them out? I ran a search and found some people used light sandpaper on a aluminum knob can i do the same for titanium? If so what grit would work and what product can i use to buff it out?

 

i am replying to move this up...

have not used sandpaper on ti, and dont think i would do that unless i was really desparate (all polishes had failed)-

are your scratches really deep?

 

The scratches don't look that deep but there quite a few of them. I plan on trying some car polish and a Dremel but i have to wait for the polish to thaw out, it's been really cold in NY. Here's a few pics of the knob maybe you guys can give me some ideas. BTW still not done with the red lettering hence the reason it looks a little crappy.







Thanks for fixing the title for me Wanabe .

 

those do look like they would be past any clear coat (if there was any) that might have been used...

and polish is not likely to resolve them. if i was gonna try a polish i would go all the way to the top - to a rubbing compound. but i think you were right on that its gonna take some light sanding. if you try a rubbing compound, be sure to "step down" to a light cut and then a swirl remover to bring back the bling.

are you sure thats ti? i like the color btw.

can you remove the sides (leather?) ? if so, it will be easier to work on.

(and that was pretty funny... you get the award for the first person who figured out who is changing the titles!!)

you might get some ideas from this thread:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?act=S...=0#entry4696450

 

If you absolutely can't get anywhere without sanding, then you might want to make sure that you sand in the circular pattern already on the knob.

Maybe try something like this:
Find a bolt that fits the knob and if possible, chuck it in a drill.
Tape around the leather to prevent damage,
Screw the knob onto the bolt
Place a sheet of fine sandpaper on a soft surface, like a foam pad so it can flex to fit the shape of the shift knob
Turn the drill on slowly or turn the knob by hand until the scratches are gone.

I'd definitely do that as a last resort, as you have no guarantee what the finished result will look like. But you can check into anodizing titanium, which is tons easier than for Aluminum.

 

Those scratches look REALLY deep to me.. definitely not something a normal swirl-remover can handle.

I'd go straight to wetsanding... not sure what grit though, as I have never done something quite like this. (I'd go with a really high grit, and work my way up in aggressiveness... perhaps 2000grit then to 1500, then 1000/800; then work your way back up to finer grits)

Whatever you do, TAPE TAPE TAPE. Try your best to cover that precious leather!

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys . Rubbing compound didn't work so I'm going to try to sand it tommorow and hope for the best.