Quarter window frames and plexiglas resto

[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

[Bob Gaines]

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. 

[GT350Lad]

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

[Bob Gaines]

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.

[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

[GT350Lad]

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

[GT350Lad]

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

[Bob Gaines]

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.

[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.

[GT350Lad]

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

Merry Xmas

[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.

[GT350Lad]

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

[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