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  1. #1

    Default Air cleaner lid restoration

    I know there are many threads on this already but none seemed to cover my issue.

    Mine has alot of deep scratches.
    Used a green scotch pad, steel wool and wet sanded with 220. All by hand.
    It got rid of the dull surface but the deep scatches remain.
    There is alot of them.

    Any suggestions on getting rid of them to bring the factory look back?

    Once the scratches are removed i will aplly the decal and clear.
    1985 Mercury Motorsport Capri Registry
    Official Pace Car of the Mercury Motor City 100 - Grand Prix IV

    www.Motorsportcapri.com

  2. #2
    FEP Member jeff85's Avatar
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    A friend of mine had success mounting the lid to a drill and I think he used a red scotchbright.

  3. #3
    FEP Power Member
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    Quote Originally Posted by jeff85 View Post
    A friend of mine had success mounting the lid to a drill and I think he used a red scotchbright.
    That’s about as good as it gets.
    Fox Body/3rd Gen MCA Gold Card Judge
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  4. #4

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    Last edited by MERCURY MOTORSPORT; 08-11-2019 at 03:57 PM. Reason: I'm on OP's ignore list

  5. #5

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    I put my lid in a lathe and used sandpaper scotch brite pads and it looks better, but I still have some darker spots from the hood insulation. (I think. like water spots)
    Any suggestions on removing them? Should I just be more aggressive with sandpaper?

    Thanks, Mike
    85 GT - owned since 87

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by JKengineering View Post
    I put my lid in a lathe and used sandpaper scotch brite pads and it looks better, but I still have some darker spots from the hood insulation. (I think. like water spots)
    Any suggestions on removing them? Should I just be more aggressive with sandpaper?

    Thanks, Mike

    Hi Mike!

    I just did a complete step-by-step DIY how-to thread on this topic that might be pretty handy here:
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ir-Cleaner-Lid

    I did note stains & spotting there too:

    At this point all of the sanding & scuffing should've removed a good layer of the aluminum down to a new surface thereby removing any stains that the original lid surface might've had seeped into the aluminum. If you have some remaining stubborn stain spot remnants - you can try applying a heavy-duty cleaner or solvent like "Easy-Off" oven cleaner or Acetone or Denatured Alcohol and scrub the stains with a old toothbrush etc. Let whatever you're using soak in but do not let it dry and scrub the stains while it's still wet with the cleaner. You might need to use more than one chemical but only use ONE AT A TIME don't mix them. Whatever you end up using, afterwards just be sure to fully re-wash the lid again with dishsoap followed by denatured alcohol to fully remove any residue!
    Since the surface of bare aluminum is kind of porous and many stains tend to seep down in, I'd definitely sand the lid down a little more - enough to remove the entire surface layer and a little beneath too. And like said just above, if it's super-stubborn then try to use a chemical degreaser/stain remover and scrub it well with a small brush. The aluminum acid-brightener described in the other thread can also do a fine job as well, giving a nice bright even finish!

    If you get a few minutes, check it out here:

    How to Resurface Restore Refinish a Ford Carbureted or EFI Aluminum Air Cleaner Lid
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ir-Cleaner-Lid

  7. #7

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    Thanks for the input and the DIY thread. I will give it another shot.
    Mike
    85 GT - owned since 87

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by JKengineering View Post
    Thanks for the input and the DIY thread. I will give it another shot.
    Mike
    I really hope that you get it looking nice like it should Mike!

  9. #9
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    Where is a good place to get "quality" decals for the lid? Thanks.
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by mcb82gt View Post
    Where is a good place to get "quality" decals for the lid? Thanks.
    You didn't provide any context, but I was happy with the quality of this one when I did mine:

    https://lmr.com/item/OS-DF0673/84-85...-Cleaner-Decal
    1985 GT owned since new

  11. #11
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    Looks like they don't have the correct one for a 82 GT. Oh well.


    Edit.

    found this if any 82 GT guys out there
    http://www.mustangsunlimited.com/Mus...-O-Mustang.axd
    Last edited by mcb82gt; 08-13-2019 at 11:42 AM.
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by mcb82gt View Post
    Where is a good place to get "quality" decals for the lid? Thanks.
    I just posted a small write-up on the other thread here:
    How To Resurface Restore Refinish a Ford Carbureted or CFI Aluminum Air Cleaner Lid
    Air Cleaner - Decals / Stickers / Labels
    http://vb.foureyedpride.com/showthre...ir-Cleaner-Lid


  13. #13
    FEP Power Member mcb82gt's Avatar
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    I checkout my original lid, it isn't white lettered. It is cut out of the black decal and the aluminum of the lid under it. 82GT
    Mike

    Now stang-less.

    88 Cougar 5.0

  14. #14
    FEP Senior Member 85md's Avatar
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    This method removes re original machined look I assume? How to keep that machines look?
    1985 Mustang GT 5.0 Holley 4180 5 Sp all stock!
    1957 Willy's CJ 5, 283 small block
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