Most of the parts we receive for restoration show the wear of over 40 years of use. Dented, dull and scratched parts are the norm.

Each part is engraved with a job number on the back to ensure the part sent in is the same part that is returned to the customer.

We are now ready to begin working on the old bezel. The first step is removal of the original paint with a chemical stripper that is speciallly formulated to effectively remove the paint without harming the underlying metal.

The next step in the process is the removal of the old anodized finish buy soaking it in a chemical bath.

This critical process requires a special chemical composition that will remove the anodizing without harming the underlying metal.

WARNING: NEVER USE A COMMON ANODIZING REMOVAL CHEMICAL, YOU MAY HARM THE METAL

The cleaned part is shown, ready for the next step in the process.

Over the years we have accumulated an inventory of special checking fixtures that allow us to accurately measure the dimensions and be sure your piece is not out of shape as we remove dents and straighten it.

The dent removal process requires a skilled experienced hand. From the back side we will push the metal proud of the original surface. This raised area is then sanded and polished back to it's original position. This is a metal removal process, and too much sanding can result in a metal burn through hole. A hole in the trim can only be repaired by welding. This is a problem since an anodized weld will have a different color than the rest of the piece.

Once the dents are removed, the sanding and polishing begins. We sand the piece on a belt sander progressively using finer and finer grits with grease to acheive the correct surface finish.

Polishing
Now it's time to polish the piece. Different trim components can have different polishing requirements. The first step is the "Cutting Process" which requires a wheel / rouge combination that will remove aluminum. The cutting process is followed by the "Coloring Process". This requires a different wheel / rouge combination that will bring the correct color back to the piece.

Now the piece is sent out for anodization, an electrochemical process that converts the surface to a structured form of aluminum oxide that gives it a stable protective coating with a high sheen.

Finally the part is painted if required by the piece application. The anodized surface is perfect for paint adhesion, so no priming is needed.