To Anodize or not Anodize?
MCB evaluates each piece individually and determines if it should be anodized or not. The reason for this is as follows: If any flaws remain in the part after restoration, anodization will only magnify the flaw - and once it's anodized you're stuck with what you get. The anodization process opens up the pores of the metal, assisting any hidden pitting or oxidization areas that cannot be seen post buffing and polishing. This typically results in a very different look than anticipated prior to anodization. These cars today are not exposed out in the elements to really have anodization as an oxidation protectant. I personally have found that I obtain a better appearance with a once a year hand polish of all my aluminum trim. I own 2 muscle cars and none of my trim is anodized. Another benefit with non-anodized parts are if minor scratches occur, hand buffing will usually remove them. With anodized parts what you see is what you'll have unless you strip (remove) all the anodization. In some cases we will anodize the part and then remove the anodization locally where we want the bare aluminum to show and can then therefore be hand polished to whatever level the owner desires.
-- Matt Bollaert: Owner MCB Metal Restoration / Tuff Wheel Restoration