Most of the parts we
receive for restoration show the wear of over
40 years of use. Dented, dull and scratched
parts are the norm.
Each part is engraved
with a job number on the back to ensure the
part sent in is the same part that is returned
to the customer.
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We
are now ready to begin working on the old
bezel. The first step is removal of the original
paint with a chemical stripper that is speciallly
formulated to effectively remove the paint
without harming the underlying metal.
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The
next step in the process is the removal of
the old anodized finish buy soaking it in
a chemical bath.
This critical process
requires a special chemical composition that
will remove the anodizing without harming
the underlying metal.
WARNING:
NEVER USE A COMMON ANODIZING REMOVAL CHEMICAL,
YOU MAY HARM THE METAL
The cleaned part is
shown, ready for the next step in the process. |
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Now
we are ready for the critical dent removal process
and overall cosmetic restoration.
Over the years we have accumulated an inventory
of special checking fixtures that allow us
to accurately measure the dimensions and be
sure your piece is not out of shape as we
remove dents and straighten it.
The dent removal process requires a skilled
experienced hand. From the back side we will
push the metal proud of the original surface.
This raised area is then sanded and polished
back to it's original position. This is a
metal removal process, and too much sanding
can result in a metal burn through hole. A
hole in the trim can only be repaired by welding.
This is a problem since an anodized weld will
have a different color than the rest of the
piece. |
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Once
the dents are removed, the sanding and polishing
begins. We sand the piece on a belt sander
progressively using finer and finer grits
with grease to acheive the correct surface
finish.
Polishing
Now it's time to polish the piece. Different
trim components can have different polishing
requirements. The first step is the "Cutting
Process" which requires a wheel
/ rouge combination that will remove aluminum.
The cutting process is followed by the "Coloring
Process". This requires a different
wheel / rouge combination that will bring
the correct color back to the piece. |
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Now
the piece is sent out for anodization,
an electrochemical process that converts the
surface to a structured form of aluminum oxide
that gives it a stable protective coating
with a high sheen.
Finally the part is
painted if required by the piece application.
The anodized surface is perfect for paint
adhesion, so no priming is needed. |
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The finished
product...almost indistinguishable from original. |
