<VV> Aluminum Base - Removing anodizing?

[Roger Gault]

The trim could be "Alclad".  That's a base alloy with a layer of 1000 series
aluminum on the surface.  It was done so you could get decent mechanical
properties for the part but have a shiny surface and for corrosion
protection.  For example, a lot of aircraft skin is 2024 alclad.  2024 is
strong, but doesn't polish well at all (and doesn't like salt much).  The
1000 series stuff on the surface is pretty, but about as strong as warm
butter.

It doesn't take much to cut through the alclad, so if you're polishing
agressively to get rid of scratches you can be down to base metal in a
flash - no more shiny.

Maybe that's why the repro trim is softer than stock - low alloy aluminum to
look nice.

Just guessing,
  Roger

----- Original Message ----- 
From: <mhicks130 at cox.net>
To: <virtualvairs at corvair.org>
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 11:02 PM
Subject: Re: <VV> Aluminum Base - Removing anodizing?


> My experience with trying to polish up the bare aluminum on the wheel well
trim on my 65 where the anodozing was gone from the trim being bent showed
that the aluminum would not polish up anywhere near as bright as the
anodized part.  Same thing with the silver trim on a damaged late dash I
have.  You can polish it, but it's nowhere near as bright and shiny as the
anodized parts.  I have seen aluminum polished up to a mirror-like shine but
I haven't been able to do it with the trim pieces on a Corvair.  Could just
be me though...
>
> mikeH
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