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A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators

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9N'er

03-16-2001 23:57:00




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I may be acquiring the long searched for aluminum dash and tranny cover.

I may do a purist no-no, and show off this part, remove the paint on the dash only, and polish and buff that old aluminum to mirror like quality.

I need advice: what is the method and best materials to use, to achieve a polished and smooth cast aluminum without risking damge to the aluminum? Any techniques some can share would be appreciated.

Early 9N generators: what diameter was the two brush generator and pulley on the early 39 and 40 9N's?

Thank you in advance. and, yes, 8.00 is worth all of the advice and more I recveive form this YTMag. That is a donation I don't need to think twice about. thanks all. 9N'er

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Al English

03-17-2001 07:59:36




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 Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to 9N'er, 03-16-2001 23:57:00  
Hi 9N'er, If you want a mirror like finish with no lumps or bumps it can all be done by hand, but power tools will do it a LOT faster and easier. You need a 240 grit(or finer) finish before you begin buffing. Depending on the initial roughness of the part, start with 80 to 120 grit. Scotch-Brite can get you part of the way there, but the mounted power tool Scotch-Brite abrasives tend to leave a lumpy surface. On the Scotch-Brite or sandpaper use grease, wax, or one of the products especially made for this purpose. If this is not done particles of abrasive may become embedded in the surface and will cause surprisingly large irregularities to appear during buffing. There are buffs(Sisal buffs) that can take a rough part to a shiny part with no sanding. Parts finished with these buffs will be shiny, but will also be relatively lumpy. For pretty much all types of aluminum brown(Tripoli) buffing compound is best. Follow this with a final buff with white compound. Most beginners tend not to keep enough compound on the buff, so don't let the buff get "dry". To maintain the finish use Semi-Chrome or Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish. Mothers works a little better, but both are good. Never wash polished aluminum with laundry soap or detergent as it will dull(etch) the finish. Car wash soap and dish washing soap will not damage the finish.

A good polishing and buffing guy can always find a job. Maybe this will be the beginning of a new adventure for you. If nothing else, when this project is done you'll know why chrome plating is so expensive. Good luck...Al English

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9N'er

03-17-2001 09:11:08




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 Re: Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to Al English, 03-17-2001 07:59:36  
Al: thank you. I'm always looking for a new adventure! but buffing metal may not be it!! Perhaps driving this restored 9N on a cross country trip will be the adventure once I'm done. Here's the thought: I can collect donations along the way, and perhaps, when I make it to the Pacific Coast, and drive that tractor into the surf, I will have collected enough money along the way to recover some of the costs. I don't think it will set a record for land speed across the United States, but, I never was very fast at anything anyhow. Somehow, bouncing along in my restored 9N seat on the backroads of America is more akin to my style anyhow. See ya, and thank you for the detailed response. I will print all of these, study them, and proceed and post the results. thanks again. 9N'er

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tlak

03-17-2001 06:01:40




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 Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to 9N'er, 03-16-2001 23:57:00  
Its wox on wox off, grasshopper. The Eastwood co will have everything you need, rouges, buffing wheels, compounds to include the whole package with special bench grinder motor for polishing.



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Martin

03-17-2001 04:58:28




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 Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to 9N'er, 03-16-2001 23:57:00  
I used to be in the business of repairing boat propellers and I found that the discs that you can buy for a side grinder made by 3M (as well as others) that are like scotchbrite work well. This is material like some pot scrubbers but have a velcro back that affix onto a special backing pad you buy for your grinder. This won't get you to a mirror polish but very close. I have obtained a mirror finish with jewellers rouge and a cotton buff. By the way, these pads will also remove the most stubborn baked on gaskets as well.

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9N'er

03-17-2001 05:19:41




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 Re: Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to Martin, 03-17-2001 04:58:28  
Thanks Martin. that is a good tip. I will give it a try and see how close this will get me, and I may just live with it if it's close enough. thanks again. 9N'er



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Paul Haas - Pine Island MN

03-17-2001 05:06:27




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 Re: Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to Martin, 03-17-2001 04:58:28  
After you get close with Martins technique, a few of the hours that tend to get wasted in front of a TV set can be turned productive with SemiChrome paste polish for aluminum. Fairly fast and beautiful results.



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9N'er

03-17-2001 05:17:44




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 Re: Re: Re: A couple questions about polishing aluminum and early 9N generators in reply to Paul Haas - Pine Island MN, 03-17-2001 05:06:27  
Paul: thanks. I may even do double duty, and because I am so deep into learning and working on this 9N, that I will read this 928N forum, type messages, and work on the dash at the same time. Now how about that for dedication to the cause!? My TV time has now turned into computer time! thanks for the tip. ANy idea where I can locate the chrome paste? POR 15 Company has a similar compound too for aluminum...just saw it in their catalog. thanks again. 9N'er

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