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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: El Guapo on May 28, 2008, 09:07:37 am

Title: Tailgate Insert
Post by: El Guapo on May 28, 2008, 09:07:37 am
What's the best way to polish the aluminum trim insert on the tailgate?  I thought about getting a new one, but it's big $$$.  Any help is greatly appreciated -
Title: Re: Tailgate Insert
Post by: scpscpscp on May 28, 2008, 06:10:57 pm
I had mine anoidized.  You will need to remove the small studs that hold the Chevy emblem.  I had it done a few years ago and it seems like it cost around $100 but I am not positive.  I tried a couple of buffing/polishing  compounds but I was not successful.   Good Luck.  Steve.
Title: Re: Tailgate Insert
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on May 30, 2008, 11:19:54 pm
To get the best appearance out of the aluminum trim, clean it as best you can, then wipe it down with a light coat of WD-40 (spray it on the rag, not the band), You'll have to do it regularly like tire-wet-look stuff.  Also great on the band around the back of the cab.  It'll look better than new.
Title: Re: Tailgate Insert
Post by: Blazin on May 31, 2008, 01:12:19 am
Some triple ot steel wool with some WD40 on it works pretty good too.
Title: Re: Tailgate Insert
Post by: SUX2BU99 on June 02, 2008, 11:26:21 am
^ Yeah 000 steel wool I've seen as being the stuff recommended to use for polishing metal. But do you have to be careful to use it in the same direction as the grain in the metal? I have some ghosting from a dealers decal on my tailgate band.
Title: Re: Tailgate Insert
Post by: 78 Chevyrado on June 04, 2008, 12:46:04 am
Yep be careful to go with the grain.  I forgot all about the steel-wool ::)
Title: Re: Tailgate Insert
Post by: Fordeatinz71 on June 04, 2008, 01:20:33 am
this post was perfect timing!  i get my Jimmy this weekend and it has a really faded tailgate band...i looked at Classic Industries and my eyes just about popped out of my head when i saw how much a new one was...WOW!