Rear Deck Grill Restoration

[Aussie]

I have a 1969 911, with a chrome deck grill which is looking quiet dull, and in need of a tidy up.

Are these deck grills polished Alluminium or Anodised?

Has anyone got any tips on how to bring them back to there former glory.

[andyjboy]

The grille would have originally been clear anodised.

Assuming that the anodising has not been rubbed through by using any form of abrasive on it, you could try rubbing vaseline (petroleum jelly) into it, leaving it overnight then polishing with a soft cloth. Repeat this process several times over the period of a week.

This procedure works wonders in transforming dull anodising on Fuchs wheels & is recommended by the Factory.

Andy
'69 911E------->R

[trade14u]

I have begun this process of redoing my grill and the results are GREAT. Mine had many deep scratches and pits and now the slats (the ones I've done so far) look shiny and flawless.

Like Andy said, the metal slats are anodized. If you're not against removing the anodizing then do this:

(What I've done...there might be a better way)
-Get some 150 grit, 350 grit, and 1000 grit sand paper
-Mothers Aluminum polish

Start with the 150 and sand until you've penetrated the anodizing layer. This is a lot of work and I will probably do the Easy Off Oven Cleaner trick used in the Fuchs Polishing threads for the remaining areas.

When you break through the anodizing layer, go to the 350 and evenly sand the surface.

Soak the 1000 grit in water and wet sand the slats. They will look pretty good at this point but the magic touch is the polish! Get a rag and go over the slats with the aluminum polish. The rag will turn jet black. Then, buff with a clean rag! You will be amazed!

Mask each slat and paint the backing with some satin black paint.

Brad

[Randy Webb]

How about weighing that Al grill on a postal scale? I'd like to know if the plastic ones added much wt. ....

[andyjboy]

Randy - just weighed a '70-'71 aluminium grille & a '74-on plastic one on the same scales:

Al grille - 2lbs 12 oz

Plastic grille - 2 lbs 8 oz

Andy
'69 911E------->R

[Randy Webb]

Thx -- they are both surprisingly heavy...

[Randy Webb]

LEt me add to that -- I think Carbon Fiber would be a nice little savings and the natural CF would look great too.

Who can we all convince to make this part at a reasonable price?

[BGCarrera32]

Or, save your effort and take it to a plating shop that works with automotive restoration, and have it chemically stripped and reanodized.

[nigel911]

If you want to make life easier when stripping the anodized finish, use Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) instead of Easy Oven Off. Much quicker and much less sanding involved, just be very careful - nasty stuff.

Also that way you won't have a can of oven cleaner in the garage which will eat its way through the can and spray a fine but damaging mist onto your pride and joy. Ask me how I know...

[Randy Webb]

Note -- it isn't chrome now (see posts above) so getting it plated chrome will change the looks. Good or Bad? Up to you.

For some real fun, get a replica made in Ti.