Polished the Cobra today.

[turbo69bird]

That body is amazing. Having done hammer and dolly work myself I couldn’t be more impressed. Such a cool car to own . I’d think a salt and vinegar wash would keep it sparkling without a ton of elbow grease. Although that may mainly before copper not brass . When I polish aluminum airplane props I use baking soda and they don’t tarnish for a very long time after I have one in my garage I polished about 5 years ago and it says I’ll doesn’t need to be repolished. Gotta be a way to extend the duration. .car looks amazing though.

[TimG]

Thank you, I'll try any method to keep it polished. It's best to keep it covered after polishing. The polished aluminum Kirkhams hold their shine for a long time. The brushed aluminum versions are the easiest to maintain.

Here's another amazing video of repairing a damaged quarter panel on a Kirkham Cobra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9moYO-WWhaQ&t=32s

[ScottG]

That is a Kirkham ?

[TimG]

Yes, it is a Kirkham.

[turbo69bird]

Would be cool to see them make a body for this thing.

https://youtu.be/GZE_xj0oF_8?si=TYte48Cxz3ISixbh

[turbo69bird]

Originally Posted by TimG

Thank you, I'll try any method to keep it polished. It's best to keep it covered after polishing. The polished aluminum Kirkhams hold their shine for a long time. The brushed aluminum versions are the easiest to maintain.

Here's another amazing video of repairing a damaged quarter panel on a Kirkham Cobra.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9moYO-WWhaQ&t=32s

I learned these techniques he’s using from a guy when I was a young kid. I really enjoy doing this kind of work and take dents out of airplanes before I wrap them. Of course on airplanes I have to use hit glue pull techniques - Watching this is actually enjoyable to me. .
My wife says IDK how you can watch that stuff, When I was watching it . IDK maybe there’s something wrong w me but I enjoy stuff like that so much. Thanks for posting it

I’m surprised he didn’t re anneal it after he took the bulk of it out which I would think would have work hardened it a bit . Guys so lucky what a job to have.


Polished aluminum airplanes lose their shine fairly quick, the P51 that crashed at the air races had been polished every year they actually had to have it painted because they couldn’t find volunteers to polish it anymore. Chrome wrap would have been a good choice in that circumstance also. Airplanes have a lot of panel breaks in them so they lend themselves to wrap every well.

[dykstra]

Originally Posted by TimG

I use Master Formula Metal Gloss polish. I got this product from one of the vendors at MCACN and if he is there next week, I'll pick up more. He demonstrates at the show, and I was impressed. I like this product because it leaves no swirl marks and that's important on a big surface like a car.

https://cjsmasterformula.com/

Like you Tim, I purchased MF at MCACN and I love the stuff. What caught my eye originally was his Pepsi/Coke aluminum cans that looks like chrome!!

[Too Many Projects]

Originally Posted by dykstra

Like you Tim, I purchased MF at MCACN and I love the stuff. What caught my eye originally was his Peps/Coke aluminum cans that looks like chrome!!

Where does he sell this, in the swap meet area ? I recently bought a new trailer and would like to put something on the aluminum fenders and rock guard to protect it from winter salt.

[dykstra]

Originally Posted by Too Many Projects

Where does he sell this, in the swap meet area ? I recently bought a new trailer and would like to put something on the aluminum fenders and rock guard to protect it from winter salt.

Mitch, yes he is usually located in the swap meet area.

[TimG]

Yes, in the swap meet area. He wasn't there last year. I ordered it online as I can't put it in my carry-on luggage going home.