exalto

Thanks everyone!

Just like Uncle Fester, speed wasn't the objective. The paint peel had always bugged me so it was more a cathartic exercise.

Just sat at my desk with pizza, beer and Al Murray's Road to Berlin on Quest (its the new Dave).

About 20 hours in total. Learning curve as I'd never done metal polishing before. Biggest revelation was rubbing compound. Wish I'd had more of it as it came in handy between sanding and Autosol stages. I still think I can get more out of it, but in the time I had, it's come out OK.

GT750boy mentioned Nyalaq as a lacquer. May track some of that down to finish. Not used a flapper wheel but would imagine dust would be an issue indoors.

My own tips:

Use stripper and don't be tempted to wash it off too soon. 20 mins is fine.
Don't be afraid of sanding aggressively. The cover will be rough and scoured in places.
Have plenty of what you need. I underestimated this.
Use WETndry or the dust will get everywhere.
Around the lettering on top is a PIA!
Wear latex gloves.
Enjoy.

unclefester

You know it can be done quicker ... but it's oddly satisfying doing it by hand

s2konroids

How can it be done quicker UF?

My car is on the drive at the moment and i wont be driving it any-time soon.

I was thinking of starting this today but i may have to cover the engine with a plastic bag or something as i noticed ice on the underside of bonnet yesterday.

I dont want any damage to occur whilst its off the car with water corrosion etc.

s2konroids

Could you please tell me what equipment and products you need exalto?

I only have a drill and a angle grinder at home , and i dont fancy spending 20 hours on it .

Cheers

unclefester

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...post&p=19908919

oxhouser

why not anodise it, blue or red or even gold, all that polishing would shine through the anodised surface, i had it priced up at around £50

exalto

Irv,

Stripper £8 B&Q -shoved kitchen roll down the 4 main holes to protect the grommets
Carplan rubbing compound
Flapper wheel should slot into drill.
800,1000 & 1500 wetndry
Autosol - though UF got amazing results with NXT
Lots of cloths
Pizza
Beer

Prep is the key. Took me longer because I didn't sand enough straight off and after polishing, had to go back and do bits again. Flat it out as much as you can, smooth it off as you increase grades of paper, then the rubbing compound gives a nice surface to polish up. The compound really helps in the nooks where paper is a pain.

nomadicS2k

Good effort mate!

gbduo

Nice work!!

I agree with the anodising idea above, would protect the metal from the harsh environment it is in and would look pretty cool, maybe anodise it a slight red?

I think the problem you might get is that the metal will tarnish on the hot side of the engine and where any oil collects so something to bear in mind, but stirling effort!

Does look very cool!

exalto

Is orange available as an anodised colour

Waiting to see what HEL do to their project, as my dream is to replace as many hoses as I can with braided steel jobs then an Arc induction and stainless cooling plate to complete the metal heart look.