Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Body, interior, paint, chrome, and cosmetic items => Topic started by: Francis Abate on May 05, 2021, 22:03:42

Title: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: Francis Abate on May 05, 2021, 22:03:42

Does anyone know the grade of aluminum for the lower body and windshield moldings?  As I research anodizing shops I've been asked this question - I'm not sure if they all need to know this yet as I am still looking.  I believe these are the only anodized pieces on the 280SL but if not, I'd like to know that as well.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: dirkbalter on May 05, 2021, 22:53:38

Not all grades of aluminum are anodize-able. That's likely why they are asking.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: Benz Dr. on May 06, 2021, 06:30:35

Sill trim is also anodized.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: Shvegel on May 06, 2021, 09:45:05

I am not sure you can re-anodize aluminum.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: Francis Abate on May 06, 2021, 21:05:47

Thanks for the tip on the sill pieces.  I believe the windshield surround may also anodized?

From what I am finding, you can strip, polish and re-anodize aluminum.  I am finding some sources out there but haven't settled on one yet.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: mercakungen on May 07, 2021, 11:15:50

You can re-anodize aluminium parts. The result will not be as bright when these cars were new. Back then bright anodized parts looked like almost chromed. If you buy a new original spare part from Mercedes you will get dull/satin finish.

Matti

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: Nicolas Aristodemou on May 07, 2021, 11:33:44

I got a set of lower body aluminum strips from the Polish bodywork parts supplier mentioned in the technical manual (Krzysztof Kuliński) 2 years ago. They are of excellent quality and fit very well.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: Kleine on May 07, 2021, 23:48:03

My experience trying to restore MB aluminum trim using bright dip anodizing is that it is an expensive waste of time. 
The process may work on some aluminum but the Mercedes trim from W113 & W180 cars I tried to restore using
bright dip specialists came back with a 'sparkle' finish that looks funny in the sun. Polishing didn't improve it.
I asked folks at the MB Classic Center in Irvine who they used to anodize aluminum trim.  They told me their experience was the same so they
don't try to restore aluminum trim by anodizing it...they only replace it with new trim. 

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: doitwright on May 08, 2021, 05:35:57

Quote from: Kleine on May 07, 2021, 23:48:03

My experience trying to restore MB aluminum trim using bright dip anodizing is that it is an expensive waste of time.

That is the same conclusion I came up with. Preparing the trim for anodizing can take a lot of time and then you are at the mercy of who does the anodizing work. And most, the shops I called, do not do the brite-dip process. Without the brite dip, the aluminum will get dull again.

Title: Re: Aluminum trim moldings
Post by: 66andBlue on May 08, 2021, 06:13:54

Three is a crowd.
Same experience here even after being assured that a "bright-dip" process will be used.
The process is described here:
https://kingoftrim.com/services/#services-2