Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: Stanton]
#1995777
01/21/16 07:52 PM
01/21/16 07:52 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,066 Eugene, Oregon
minivan
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,066
Eugene, Oregon
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I purchased a large HF buffer/stand ( looks just like the Baldor for 1/3 the price) ordered some buffing wheels and different buffing compound sticks, and did my entire car..
It took a lot of time and had some "zingers" but eventually learned what to and what not to do in a short time. Lots of good advice on this site. Not perfect but pretty darn nice...
Last edited by minivan; 01/22/16 04:23 PM.
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Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: B5Cuda440-6]
#1996186
01/22/16 11:18 AM
01/22/16 11:18 AM
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maxfield303H1E
Unregistered
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maxfield303H1E
Unregistered
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I never said "set fire". I do know that he burned through the stainless as he had that bluing color to the stainless and the metal got paper thin which ended up leaving a small "weld-like" hole in the trim. I can see if he still has the piece and snap a pic of the result.
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Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: ]
#1996370
01/22/16 04:27 PM
01/22/16 04:27 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,066 Eugene, Oregon
minivan
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,066
Eugene, Oregon
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I never said "set fire". I do know that he burned through the stainless as he had that bluing color to the stainless and the metal got paper thin which ended up leaving a small "weld-like" hole in the trim. I can see if he still has the piece and snap a pic of the result. I could see one of those "expanding wheels" be somewhat dangerous for a novice to be using. Same as a novice using a rotary buffer on a paint job ( DAMHIK) LOL
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Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: Stanton]
#1997866
01/24/16 07:47 PM
01/24/16 07:47 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 27 Greenfield, Tennessee, USA
CudaChick1968
member
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member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 27
Greenfield, Tennessee, USA
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Well here's my 2 cents (from my personal experience)
If you do it yourself, invest in a BIG, quality Baldor buffer and the big wheels and the compound kit (TP Tools have a great package deal). Small, cheap Harbour Freight buffers and wheels just aren't up to the task.
Don't expect great results in a short timeframe. After you hit the first piece you're going to see a million scratches you didn't notice before. Each one has to be SANDED out with multiple grits before its ready to be buffed.
Dents are a whole other issue.
In the end you will have either: a) spent half your life buffing the stuff or b) wish you'd left well enough alone
Regardless, you'll have spent a bundle on tools and you will have a clear understanding why the guys who do it charge so much. I've done a good bit of this in my day both on my own ride and on a very select professional basis. I have to say yours is the best response I've ever seen Stanton. It's not unusual for commercial polishers to charge by the inch.For those wanting to try their own hand, I'd recommend reading The Buff Book on the CaswellPlating.com website. It's a good primer for beginners and will give you a good introduction on various buffs, compounds and how to get the most out of your tools.
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Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: B5Cuda440-6]
#2004191
02/02/16 04:03 PM
02/02/16 04:03 PM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,272 Northern Calyfornua
Sxrxrnr
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,272
Northern Calyfornua
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Don't polish inside your garage, not only make a filthy mess but flying parts will do a lot of damage.
I place a very large piece of cardboard in my driveway to sit the buffer on. Prevents buffer from scooting about and when done for the day, easy to dispose of debris generated by buffer and polish fluff.
Spend the money to buy a great buffer and stand. Will be one of the best tools you ever bought and will save you hours of grief and effort. I do very well with a 3/4 hp Baldor and heavy cast iron stand.
I spent some 250 hours doing every inch(there is a lot of them on this car) of stainless on our 300 B. Much of which was spent learning. I was re-doing what I had paid a professional to do and had never been satisfied with quality.
Now am often axed, who did your stainless and would you do mine. No way,,,it's a labor of love,,,never would wish to do it for a living.
Wear heavy clothing with no loose ends that might tangle in the wheel, heavy leather gloves, apron, full face shield, and very important, good ear protection. I use noise cancelling Bluetooth earphones so can listen to radio/music while protecting ears.
Just as with auto body work,, the time preparing the surface with coolly labor is just as if not more important than than the final painting or polishing to achieve superior results
Read some books or watch some UTubes. It's a skill that you will use a lifetime and likely save you thousands of dollars.
Last edited by Sxrxrnr; 02/02/16 04:30 PM.
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Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: B5Cuda440-6]
#2004387
02/02/16 09:11 PM
02/02/16 09:11 PM
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828 Ontario, Canada
Stanton
Don't question me!
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Don't question me!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 8,828
Ontario, Canada
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Now am often axed, who did your stainless "axed" ... I've often heard that word used by people of African American descent but I've never actually seen it used in a sentence until now !
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Re: Cuda Metal Trim Restoration/Polishing Question
[Re: Stanton]
#2004662
02/03/16 06:11 AM
02/03/16 06:11 AM
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,272 Northern Calyfornua
Sxrxrnr
pro stock
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pro stock
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,272
Northern Calyfornua
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Now am often axed, who did your stainless "axed" ... I've often heard that word used by people of African American descent but I've never actually seen it used in a sentence until now ! Please note what I give as my place of residence. Standard King's English is an anathema in our diverse society. If you can pronounce it, it works.
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