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Quarter window frames and plexiglas resto

Started by GT350Lad, December 20, 2021, 10:12:09 PM

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GT350Lad

Hi, have attached some pics of my original window frames and plexiglas. Can these be restored? Polished? I did a few searches, any experience?

Thanks and merry Xmas

Trent
6S373
6S1276

Bob Gaines

Quote from: GT350Lad on December 20, 2021, 10:12:09 PM
Hi, have attached some pics of my original window frames and plexiglas. Can these be restored? Polished? I did a few searches, any experience?

Thanks and merry Xmas

Trent
The frames can be polished but need to be brite dip anodized to be like original. Chemically striping the anodizing off will make the aluminum easier to polish. The polished aluminum surface will need to be continually maintained as it is susceptible to water marks and oxidation. The anodizing helps protect the finish against those things. A polished aluminum frame finish looks different compared to one that is polished and brite dip anodized.  The plexiglass can have light scratches polished out . Fractures in the plexiglass can not be polished away. 
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

GT350Lad

Thanks Bob, what do you recommend for the polishing compound?

6S373
6S1276

Bob Gaines

Quote from: GT350Lad on December 20, 2021, 10:41:22 PM
Thanks Bob, what do you recommend for the polishing compound?
If the trim doesn't have heavy scratch's using polishing wheels I start with brown tripoli then white Stainless and finish off with white Rouge. If there are heavier scratches then have to start with other products. Eastwood sells polishing kits.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

98SVT - was 06GT

For the plexi visit your local little airport. The pilot shop will have the polish you need or you can mail order it.

I used Meguiars on my Cessna and Shelby. https://www.meguiars.com/professional/products/m10-mirror-glaze-clear-plastic-polish-8-oz

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/menus/cs/windshieldrestoration.html
Previous owner 6S843 - GT350H & 68 GT500 Convert #135.
Mine: GT1 Mustang Track Toy, 1998 SVT Cobra, Wife's: 2004 Tbird
Member since 1975 - priceless

GT350Lad

#5
Thanks Guys. Appreciate the help. I think I am get those compounds here. I'll look into it. The scratches are deep in patches but I really want to save the frames.

Thanks
6S373
6S1276

GT350Lad

I am Not sure if you would call these deep. Hopefully will improve
6S373
6S1276

Bob Gaines

Quote from: GT350Lad on December 21, 2021, 06:05:31 AM
I am Not sure if you would call these deep. Hopefully will improve
Some of that hazing maybe the anodizing . You will find out once you start polishing. If is not anodizing then the polishing will immediately become apparent if it is then it will be hard to polish through. Best to chemically strip off the anodizing first then to polish. Google search online for the many products that will take anodizing off.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

greekz

Concerning the frames, I took mine to an anodizing company.  They stripped the pieces, then I had them polished, and then back to anodizing.  They came out great.  That is the process the anodizing company recommended.
SFM 6S1134  '67 GT-350 #2339

GT350Lad

#9
Great advice guys. I think these frames can be saved. They fit so well it's hard to not try hard

Merry Xmas
6S373
6S1276

alexgt350h

I have used Industrial Anodizing Inc, Indianapolis, IN , ph # 317-637-4641 with great success.
Brent

shelbyluva

Regarding the plexiglass, many pilots use Plexus cleaner/polish or Lemon Pledge on their plexi  windows. Try either or both. Much better than Meguire's for this application from my experiences.

Bob Gaines

A word to the wise is to make sure the aluminum trim is "Brite Dip" anodized. It is a special process that not every business that does anodizing can offer. If they are regular anodized  then the polished trim comes out dull.
Bob Gaines,Shelby Enthusiast, Shelby Collector , Shelby Concours judge SAAC,MCA,Mid America Shelby

GT350Lad

Quote from: Bob Gaines on December 21, 2021, 06:41:25 PM
A word to the wise is to make sure the aluminum trim is "Brite Dip" anodized. It is a special process that not every business that does anodizing can offer. If they are regular anodized  then the polished trim comes out dull.


Thanks Bob
6S373
6S1276

poboy427

Brant @ Virginia Classic recommended King of Trim to me for Brite Dip anodizing of my frames. Came out beautiful at about $700 for both sides-4 pieces. https://kingoftrim.com/

Ray
6S554 Family owed since May 15,1974. Confirmed original alum T-10 4spd, MICO,

SPF 0373 Cobra S/C, Shelby alum 488 stroker FE Tunnel Port, TKO