I picked up a polishing system by Walter Inc. a while ago because I heard good things about it. After trying chrome powdercoat as a low cost alternative to the real thing I figured to give this a shot. My results aren't perfect but I am pleased nonetheless and thought it might be worth telling y'all about. Basically it consists of coarse, medium and fine emery pads followed by two polishing compounds. The pads are designed for use with a small hand grinder. Supposedly there is a wax or something in the compounds to prevent rust and corrosion, but I guess only time will tell for sure. What do y'all think? Might work for a non-show truck. Josh
Looks quite acceptable. Mine's gonna be a driver, so I'm kinda doing things like this too. I just want a 'good looking, clean, old truck'. I expect to use the original emblems too.
Dude!!! Way cool!!! Just picked up a pair of original emblems at Carlisle for five bucks and they look only a little better thanyour "before" picture. Details on the product please. Andy
This finishing system is called the Walter Quick Step system. Our local compressed gas supplier, Keen Gas, which supplies local welders stock it. A basic "Trial kit" included emery pads, two buffing pads, white 600 grit compound, blue 650 grit compound and the quick change attachment for the grinder. Keen sells it for about $100. Each piece was also available seperately. Apparently the system is available from most welding supply houses or online. Typing in "Walter Quick-Step"in your favorite search engine should get you on the right track. I will try to answer any more questions if i can. Josh
Looks great, but that is a little spendy. How 'bout I send you my hood side emblems and pay you to do the same job? But, it IS a work type truck. I'll probably just put them on the way they are. Andy
Yeah Zig, The thought did cross my mind. Unfortunately, like other ideas that cross my mind lately they keep on going. Andy
Actually, Andy if you want to pay shipping I'll be happy to do it for free. Sure beats putting ratty looking ones like my before pics on a nice truck. I got lucky because my work had the pad that attaches to the grinder and a few usable pads so it only cost me about half. I also did my horn button nad the trim around the door windows on the interior. I am also thinking about doing the bumper and grill. Apparently this stuff works on any "real"metal. I have been told that die-cast doesn't have enough good metal to shine, but what do I know?