|
|
Member
Posts: 34
Location: Spokane Wa | Anyone ever tried with success in removing lots of halter scratches on aluminum fenders? If so what would be the process? New to me Featherlite with lot's of scratches on fenders...some kinda deep. Can I make these look like new and how?Thank you |
|
|
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | try using steel wool....start with a fine grade and use coarser grades only if necessary. Finish off using rubbing compound with a polishing machine |
|
|
|
Member
Posts: 34
Location: Spokane Wa | They are too deep for just fine steel wool...might have to go with orbital sander? |
|
|
|
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 448
Location: Los Angeles, Ca. | sure...just start with a fine grade paper....220 grit....before trying anything more coarse |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 5870
Location: western PA | If the scratches are deep, they can be partially filled by burnishing the metal. This involves rubbing a smooth hardened steel instrument over the affected area, whilst being lubricated by a light weight oil. If the areas are on a curve, a round screwdriver shaft and motor oil can be used. If it's a flat surface, a body dolly will help. Burnishing will physically move the metal from high to low areas, without removing the base aluminum. If the scratches are very deep, sanding the metal will weaken the surrounding areas. Fill the scratches with a compatible welding rod, and then sand and polish the surfaces smooth. Using steel wool to polish aluminum, will result in small particles to become imbedded in the aluminum, and when exposed to the elements, cause rusting and surface discolourations. |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 3802
Location: Rocky Mount N.C. | And..... Sometimes it's best to leave well enough alone, the more you try to make it look better the more obvious it becomes. Whatever you decide to do to that fender probably needs to be done to the second fender also if you want them to match or look near the same. |
|
|
|
Expert
Posts: 3853
Location: Vermont | If the scratches are deep enough...one your trailer is personalized...two a little less likely to be stolen...three identifiable by the scratches if it is stolen... |
|
|