Wed May 28, 2014 10:42 pm by nikkinutshop
HE SAID: When you made your own emblems for your projects, what material did you use and what was
the best way to polish them when finished? Did you add a clear coat to them?
I used a standard buffing wheel set-up that starts with a more aggressive sewn cotton wheel and grey compound. l then finished it off with a loose cotton buffing wheel and green compound.
I used aluminum for the base metal on the IH hubcaps and EFI pieces.
The long cowl stainless INTERNATIONAL was mounted on a piece of wood to stabilize the emblem and with better control is less likely that the buffing wheel will catch and destroy the badge. It is my limited experience that a little heat from polishing friction tends to make the final finish just a little finer. I have a polish preserver that I bought from a hot-rod shop. I do not remember the name, but I will check for the name tomorrow. I polished my LINCOLN wheels outer flange, for the FORD, about 10 years ago. The preserver has kept the wheels in a just polished condition. I do not use a clear-coat.
I made a wheel mount stand for the LINCOLN wheels from a free trailer hub. I was able to press the wheel against buffing wheel with some extra force. I controlled the wheel rotation with my gloved hand. When we polish the wheels for my son's "L", we will use a similar stand, adapted to the truck wheels.
I have not made any of the sided script because of the increased time required and the difficulty.
I have a product called LAB METAL. It is available in a high temperature version that will withstand powder coating ovens baking. If a person wants to take the time to detail a pitted INTERNATIONAL side emblem, it can be chromed with a cold spray on process. It is on YOUTUBE. Check it out.
There is no magic, just a bit of detailed work and lots of time. There are a few local laser CNC shops, in this area, who can make very detailed cuts. I am sure that a few sets of the INTERNATIONAL letters would not be a problem. Less money to spend, requires more personal time. More cash and anything can happen. I have the time.
I would rather have tools I do not need than to need tools I do not have