Oxidised Aluminum Trims

[BeZerKaNZ 1]

Hi all,

I have a X5 E70 m sport that has aluminum trims. While the vehicle was sitting in Japan for extended time the aluminum trims have oxidized and look like crap.

Im looking at re-anodizing them to restore them but the problem is only 1 crowd does the specific method in NZ and it costs a bomb. 

Im in no rush to get this done but looking at getting some numbers to reduce overall costs if anyone was thinking of doing this?

Anyone wanting to participate?

[zero 1162]

Have you explored other options instead of re anodizing?

 

Can they be polished, or chemically cleaned?

[andrewm 236]

Got a picture? There are alternatives.

Abrade oxidation and Matte or gloss clearcoat

Vinyl wrap in matte or gloss black or stainless/aluminium finishes

Paint body colour or gloss/matte black.

[BeZerKaNZ 1]

1 hour ago, zero said:

Have you explored other options instead of re anodizing?

 

Can they be polished, or chemically cleaned?

Anodizing is a bit tricky, in my case and probably others the oxidation has formed underneath the anodised layer. This means it has to be bathed with an etch which removes the anodizing layer 12-15 microns. Now you can treat the oxidation by polish or more chemicals. Once oxidation is removed you have to restore coatings that you just removed which is "Bright dipping" then followed by anodizing process. 

I didn't consider changing the colour, but in saying that I didn't really like the aluminum color in the first place... maybe I'll anodize them black?

Edited December 27, 2018 by BeZerKaNZ

[NZ BMW 368]

Wouldn’t a vinyl wrap be easier and still durable?