65 grill restore

Discussion in 'General Ranchero Help' started by 1965 Ranchero 66G, Jul 14, 2017.

  1. 1965 Ranchero 66G

    1965 Ranchero 66G In Maximum Overdrive Unubtanium Member

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    I would say that my front grill is 98.5% perfect except for the oxidation, they are pretty fragile and I don't want to subject it to a buffing wheel. Any spray or dip that any of you know of that would be an alternative.
     
  2. pmrphil

    pmrphil In Maximum Overdrive GOLD MEMBER

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    You can remove the anodizing with "easy-off" oven cleaner, but you'll still need to buff it afterwards. Very pricey to have re-anodized.
     
  3. 1965 Ranchero 66G

    1965 Ranchero 66G In Maximum Overdrive Unubtanium Member

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    Location:
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    It appears to be aluminum it's non magnetic and to light to be stainless. I used some aluminum cleaner and polish on a small area and it cleaned up very nice but the horizontal fins are pretty fragile, I was just looking for a more gentle way to clean it up. Same with the headlight buckets and turn signal housings.
     
  4. pmrphil

    pmrphil In Maximum Overdrive GOLD MEMBER

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    Yes, they are aluminum, and they are anodized clear. The easy-off works pretty well. Try it on a taillight housing first and see if that's what you want.
     
  5. 1965 Ranchero 66G

    1965 Ranchero 66G In Maximum Overdrive Unubtanium Member

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    Location:
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    I'll give it a try, wife's at the grocery store now, thanks
     
  6. 5.0 Chero

    5.0 Chero Bahumbug Staff Member

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    Just so you understand the easy off will remove the factory finish and protection (anodizing) you will have to polish it afterwords and keep polishing it if you remove the anodizing if it cleans up with polish without removing the anodizing that it the way to go.
     
    pmrphil likes this.
  7. Sophie948

    Sophie948 In Overdrive

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    Inquiring minds want to know: If the EZ Off treatment and subsequent buffing gave the finish one wants, could it then be sprayed with clear lacquer so it wouldn't need routine cleaning/polishing afterwards?

    [Following this thread because I've got the same issue with my '65]
     
  8. 1965 Ranchero 66G

    1965 Ranchero 66G In Maximum Overdrive Unubtanium Member

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    Location:
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    Good question, don't know.
     
  9. pmrphil

    pmrphil In Maximum Overdrive GOLD MEMBER

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    Neither do I. Had mine reanodized, which is how I know the expense. :(
     
  10. 1965 Ranchero 66G

    1965 Ranchero 66G In Maximum Overdrive Unubtanium Member

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    3,042
    Location:
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    Ball park of pricey, ?
     
  11. pmrphil

    pmrphil In Maximum Overdrive GOLD MEMBER

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    Lately I was quoted $700, I paid $585 8 years ago.
     
  12. 1965 Ranchero 66G

    1965 Ranchero 66G In Maximum Overdrive Unubtanium Member

    Messages:
    3,042
    Location:
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    Think I'll ck prices down here and see what my options are. Thanks for the info.
     
  13. 5.0 Chero

    5.0 Chero Bahumbug Staff Member

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    Location:
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    No it will tarnish under the clear then you cannot buff it off
     
  14. ribald1

    ribald1 Banned PLATINUM MEMBER

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    You could do a chromate conversion then clear powder coat, but you would end up with a satin rather than a bright finish. It would be, however, durable and easy to maintain.
     
  15. Sophie948

    Sophie948 In Overdrive

    Messages:
    591
    Well, speaking for myself, I think I'm going to stick with my custom oxidized finish. Attaining that proper patina took over 50 years of neglect.
     

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