Fuel Rail Polish
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 9
From: Gilbert, AZ
Fuel Rail Polish
My fuel rails look like crap and I would like to know if there is a product that can polish the rails clean and bright without removal?.
So far Ive come up short ??? -
Thanks in advance
So far Ive come up short ??? -
Thanks in advance
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 2,322
Likes: 18
From: Comox, BC
In consideration of the whole issue of plating, does anyone have enough experience in the field to suggest which of the various engine compartment materials are appropriate for what kind of plating, and which ones are not particularly compatible with plating? For instance, I know that many wheel makers suggest against chroming aluminum while anodizing is encouraged. What about plating/anodizing the intake parts or valve covers (magmesium) and the other various bits in there? Ideas? Concerns? <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: ventura ca
Anything cast should not be anodized as it is ugly. The silicon in the cast alloy causes problems. That's why I nickle plated and powder coated everything.
Machined billet could be anodized if you want color or black.
Chrome is expensive.
There are many other plating methods, zink, gold, Phosphate, black oxide, cadmium, Rhodium, Palladium, silver, etc etc.
There are probably some very detailed websites that can explain all this more indepth. Just remember, almost everything in your 928's engine compartment is cast so anodizing is out. You can do it but it's ugly. Nickel and powder were the two solutions for me.
Machined billet could be anodized if you want color or black.
Chrome is expensive.
There are many other plating methods, zink, gold, Phosphate, black oxide, cadmium, Rhodium, Palladium, silver, etc etc.
There are probably some very detailed websites that can explain all this more indepth. Just remember, almost everything in your 928's engine compartment is cast so anodizing is out. You can do it but it's ugly. Nickel and powder were the two solutions for me.
Trending Topics
Rennlist Stories
The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People
Verdad Gallardo
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod
Verdad Gallardo
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)
Joe Kucinski
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again
Verdad Gallardo
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance
Joe Kucinski
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold
Verdad Gallardo
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 9
From: Gilbert, AZ
Sometimes I amaze myself.
First of all, "look like crap" meant that the rails and all the fittings had this nasty yellow film, like a heavy smoker who doesn't brush.
Up until tonight I was trying all sorts of different polish, but as I said before - I was coming up short. So, as I gazed at my engine, the tiny light bulb above my head turned on - Lets, try a wire brush. To my amazement, the toothbrush size wire brush tore through the film like butter, and get this, no scratches. So after I removed the film, I took the polish I began polishing. Mind you this is work, and I mean work but the results are priceless. I worked the polish in with a cotton cloth and afterwards I used a special polishing cloth to put on the final shine. The rails almost look like chrome. Polished Aluminum is pretty cool and this is the actual look that I was shooting for.
Thanks Again Everyone for the Feedback.
First of all, "look like crap" meant that the rails and all the fittings had this nasty yellow film, like a heavy smoker who doesn't brush.
Up until tonight I was trying all sorts of different polish, but as I said before - I was coming up short. So, as I gazed at my engine, the tiny light bulb above my head turned on - Lets, try a wire brush. To my amazement, the toothbrush size wire brush tore through the film like butter, and get this, no scratches. So after I removed the film, I took the polish I began polishing. Mind you this is work, and I mean work but the results are priceless. I worked the polish in with a cotton cloth and afterwards I used a special polishing cloth to put on the final shine. The rails almost look like chrome. Polished Aluminum is pretty cool and this is the actual look that I was shooting for.
Thanks Again Everyone for the Feedback.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
I think Sterling is right.
I believe you have removed the protective coating from the fuel rails. This is going to open them up to some nasty corrosion unless you get something back on there.
Maybe some sort of high temp clearcoat is what you need. Whatever it is, I think some sort of treatment is in order or else your beautiful shine may be short-lived.
Cheers
I believe you have removed the protective coating from the fuel rails. This is going to open them up to some nasty corrosion unless you get something back on there.
Maybe some sort of high temp clearcoat is what you need. Whatever it is, I think some sort of treatment is in order or else your beautiful shine may be short-lived.
Cheers
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 9
From: Gilbert, AZ
Hello All -
First question that come to mine is, did the Spider body and Legs have the same protectant?. Because mine are yellow as well. Even if it was cosmoline, it looked horrible. After I finish polishing, I will treat it with a high temp protectant and that advice is greatly appreciated. (The Legs are going to be coated/painted High Temp Gloss Black, while the Body is going to be polished). I think what killed the cosmoline initially was the High Temps we get here in AZ. (Summer Average 111). All in All it looks way better and Thanks again for the info.
KB and Thom - She's only partially done, Let me put a couple of hours in before I show her off. As far as the polish - it was Blue Corral polishing cream for Aluminum and Chrome (All metals in fine print)
Patience grasshopper .......it will come.
First question that come to mine is, did the Spider body and Legs have the same protectant?. Because mine are yellow as well. Even if it was cosmoline, it looked horrible. After I finish polishing, I will treat it with a high temp protectant and that advice is greatly appreciated. (The Legs are going to be coated/painted High Temp Gloss Black, while the Body is going to be polished). I think what killed the cosmoline initially was the High Temps we get here in AZ. (Summer Average 111). All in All it looks way better and Thanks again for the info.
KB and Thom - She's only partially done, Let me put a couple of hours in before I show her off. As far as the polish - it was Blue Corral polishing cream for Aluminum and Chrome (All metals in fine print)
Patience grasshopper .......it will come.
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,854
Likes: 9
From: Gilbert, AZ
Okay -
First of all, I haven't had access to my DG camera to post any pics (on loan to my Bro) - sorry about that everyone.
Second of all, I think my rails were polished prior to my ownership. Why do you think that you ask?. Well, I'm glad you asked.
Upon completion of the rail polish - I was proud as new father (not that I am). Ive put about 100 miles on my shark and since then, that nasty yellow film is starting to return. So, Kudos to those who were right about removing the cosmoline. Even though it was gone before my time. The next question I would like to ask is what protective coating should I apply once I repolish the rails. Also, what is this film that returns upon removal. Are my rails "wearing away" since there is no protectant?. ANy feedback would be great and thanks again to those who replied.
First of all, I haven't had access to my DG camera to post any pics (on loan to my Bro) - sorry about that everyone.
Second of all, I think my rails were polished prior to my ownership. Why do you think that you ask?. Well, I'm glad you asked.
Upon completion of the rail polish - I was proud as new father (not that I am). Ive put about 100 miles on my shark and since then, that nasty yellow film is starting to return. So, Kudos to those who were right about removing the cosmoline. Even though it was gone before my time. The next question I would like to ask is what protective coating should I apply once I repolish the rails. Also, what is this film that returns upon removal. Are my rails "wearing away" since there is no protectant?. ANy feedback would be great and thanks again to those who replied.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,208
Likes: 4
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
I would still recommend the high temp clearcoat. I bought a can thats good up to 500 degrees. That would be the best solution if you just want to keep the look you have. I have opted to have my fuel rails powdercoated. I am getting them done in candyapple red. ANother option is plating. Either nickel or zinc will work well. This option can prove to be a little pricey though. They want minimum start prices.
Hope This Helps.
Hope This Helps.