How to restore original finish on air filter cover??

[raymond]

My 85 GTs air filter cover needs to be refinished and a new decal installed.

The filter cover has the normal "rub marks" from the hood insulation.

What should I do to return the air filter cover to its original finish??

Thanks

[capriman86]

well to make it 100% original, I don't know...but
you can put the lid on the end of a varible speed drill
spinning it and use some scotchbrite to bring the finish back.

You can even use sand paper while spinning it.

As for the decal, I would use a paint stripper on it.
I actually think the lid has a clear coat on it anyway which you will want to remove.

[85vert]

well to make it 100% original, I don't know...but
you can put the lid on the end of a varible speed drill
spinning it and use some scotchbrite to bring the finish back.

You can even use sand paper while spinning it.

As for the decal, I would use a paint stripper on it.
I actually think the lid has a clear coat on it anyway which you will want to remove.

That is gold. I would have never thought of putting the lid on the drill.

[85GTTops]

My 85 GTs air filter cover needs to be refinished and a new decal installed.

The filter cover has the normal "rub marks" from the hood insulation.

What should I do to return the air filter cover to its original finish??

Thanks

Let Matt know over at Fox Mustang Restoration. They do a fabulous job at restoring the entire air cleaner. I just purchased another lid for a total of 3. You can never have too many of these. :D

[raymond]

I used scotchbrite on my air cleaner cover to clean the metal. I then used a high temp engine clear coat on the air filter cover. Installed the new decal, it looks excellent. Very close to original.

[capriman86]

we not worthy of pics? LOL...good job!

[escogt]

we not worthy of pics? LOL...good job!

Yeah...I want to see that thing shine!!

[sowaxeman]

I bought a chrome saleen style lid and put the decal on it. I love the look, but its a short term fix until I can restore the original. Love the drill idea, but I'm thinking of rigging it onto my bench grinder for a constant speed and making it much easier to get the grind marks evened out with scotch bright. When I'm done I plan to forgo the clearcoat as that seems to be the biggest culprit of discoloring. It will just need to be hand polished occasionally with some aluminum polish to keep the luster.

[capriman86]

When i used the drill, i put the drill in my vise, and it was a variable speed drill as well.
Yes you need control while doing this.;)