Polish fan while in car

[John W.]

Is there something to use so as to polish the fan while it's still in the car? That way I can polish a couple blades when I get the time and still get my driving fix.

Thanks guys!

[Canada Kev]

Dremel?

[Miguel Antonett]

Yes, it can be done, ask me how I know... but takes time and patience realizing that in a couple of hundred miles it will look about the same...

But, it is possible to remove the cooling fan without removing anything else other than the fan belt and AC belt if you have one. It takes no time. The key is to be able to take it off the alt shaft. It's held there by a shear key and pressure (it depends on the alternator brand), it should pop off "if not frozen" there; but it should really pop out by tapping it @ 90* intervals. Once it is loose, you need to wiggle it out.

[Wyvern]

I thought that I could get the job done without removing.

Using every power tool available and wire wheels, nylon wheels, power-balls, dremmel, drills... I eventually removed mine, not really a big deal ... on day I removed finished and replaced. SO happy i did remove it. (glad I did the ground strap for alt was not attached)

I finished mine with GIBBS (that stuff is great ...not cheep ! but WORKS)
Just used it on my wheels after refinishing. the finish although new, from the reports I have found will be greatly extended with the Gibbs

[Canada Kev]

You used Gibbs on your wheels, too? I apologize for the highjack but could you post a couple pics? Did you polish them? I never thought of Gibbs oil on wheels...

[Wyvern]

YES ... I did use GIBBS on my self finished wheels

BBs / Mahle rim help

[John W.]

Thanks Brian.

Sounds like I need to just make a project out of it instead of a quickie and go ahead and remove the fan and do it all. What worked best as far as the power tools goes before the GIBBS. Thanks.

[Hendog]

John, once you get the fan and shroud out, take it to a place that will bead blast it for you. I had a guy at work blast it for me (aircraft maintenance hangar), then he gave me three different color (grits) of 3M finishing pads; maroon, grey, white. I used these three pads to polish my fan and shroud. Then I applied the GIBBS.

Since the guy at work gave me the 3M pads, I don't know where else to get them. I searched the internet for the 3M product and this it what I was able to find so far http://paint-and-supplies.hardwarestore.com/50-268-stripping-and-finishing-pads.aspx
That link contains the maroon and the white pads.

Here's another link to the 3M product http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=20063&cat=1,190,43040

And here's how it turned out: My clean engine fan and shroud

[John W.]

Thanks Henri, I'm like your before picture now. It looks like you did the pulley and everthing -- looks great. I might put this off till winter now.

Thanks for the help.

[kidrock]

I think the polished look absolutely rocks...but maybe too much maintenance to keep it that way (yeah, I'm pretty lazy). But without a doubt, it sure looks nice.

[Hugh R]

While polished looks great, it doesn't seem to last. I did mine with a light grit scotchbrite and went for the brushed look. Still looks the same a few years later.

[kidrock]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

While polished looks great, it doesn't seem to last. I did mine with a light grit scotchbrite and went for the brushed look. Still looks the same a few years later.

wow, great idea Hugh...I hadn't thought about that. I was thinking about painting because I like that look as well. Not to hijack but do you remember the grit, and where you purchased the pads?

[Miguel Antonett]

I would not recommend painting the fan because when the painting starts to peal off - and it will - guess where it is going to end... on the cylinders cooling fins - not a good thing.

[nh911]

Never dull polishes metal it is amazing. all it is is cotton but some how it shines any metal try it you will be pleasantly surprised.

[Wyvern]

I started with a file (to remove some flashing)

Then 150 grit

Then 100 grit

Then I used a pad that intended to clean a restaurant flat top grill.
It is almost like the sanding pads/sponge you can get at the Hwd store.
BRUSHED not polished.

A "boat load" of elbow grease and an appropriate amount of Coronas

Then the GIBBS

[73rustbucket]

I also think the best way to refinish the fan is on the car. I don't have much in the way of powertools and I will try polishing using Porsche power. I will be wearing gloves so I don't think it is too dangerous to try while the engine is running.

[tharbert]

Hey 73rustbucket, let us know what the hospital charges for digit reattachment. Don't get anywhere near that fan while the engine is spinning. That includes loose clothing, necklaces, gloves with or without hand in it...

[Canada Kev]

Originally Posted by 73rustbucket

I also think the best way to refinish the fan is on the car. I don't have much in the way of powertools and I will try polishing using Porsche power. I will be wearing gloves so I don't think it is too dangerous to try while the engine is running.

Here's your sign...

[73rustbucket]

Didn't go well........ damage not too bad. Don't try this.
Guess I will need to buy a polisher.

[David E. Clark]

Originally Posted by 73rustbucket

Didn't go well........ damage not too bad. Don't try this.
Guess I will need to buy a polisher.

Your earlier post was serious?