Side Vent Question

[Chaplin]

For those of you that have not painted the side vents to match the color of the body, what have you coated the side vents with to keep the aluminum looking good? Have you powder coated them, spayed them with a clear coat or used something else?
If you could post pictures would be helpful.

Thanks,
Mike

[Charlie]

Mike,
I didn't leave the side vents aluminum, but I did coat the aluminum shrouding in the nose, so the same technique would apply. I used an aluminum cleaning-etching solution with a scotch brite pad, rubbing in one direction only. Then I rinsed, dried and painted with automotive polyurethane clearcoat, just like I used on the body. You can use additives to get a satin finish if you want, but it isn't necessary. 2000 grit sandpaper or even fine polishing compound should get you a similar satin finish. It has held up just fine for 6000 miles now with no flaking or discoloration.
Charlie

[Rick Bagley]

Mike,
I used the fine scotchbrite pad, polished one way only, then sent them out for a aluminum color anodize. Looks great, and very little maintenance. See my pictures.