Polished Kirkham question?

fordracing65 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-23-2013, 05:38 PM

How did you finish the underside of the hood and trunk, Polish, brush, or did you leave it as it came from the factory? I'm going to be polishing my car and wondered what other might have done to the underside of these areas???

Bill Wallace · #2 (**permalink**) 05-23-2013, 07:13 PM

I didn't polish the underside of either the hood or the trunk because I never thought about it but I wish I had at least done the hood. Also, I ordered my car sanded to 300 grit from Kirkham and we sanded it with 600, then 800 then 1000 grit before polishing the car with Nuvite F9, F7 and S compounds. I was unaware that they made sandpaper finer than 1000, and had I known I would have sanded the car with finer grits.

Good luck with the polishing!

Dimis · #3 (**permalink**) 05-23-2013, 08:34 PM

I haven't sanded under my hood (or trunk) yet... but if time and energy allows I will.

I have a young family which kind of changes the priorities a little (in a good way),
so I'm unlikely too. I would like to think I will get around to it eventually. Who knows?

FWIW - I've been using Abralon & 3m products to sand.
Starting at 120grit and doubling it every turn.
ie: 120 - 240 - 500 - 1000 - 2000 - 4000 to polish

I've found the Abralon stuff is quite good.

The tricky bits are the smaller nooks and crannies I find the most time consuming, but seeing the end result, the reward is therapeutic.

RodKnock · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2013, 10:24 PM

The outside of my car came polished from Kirkham. I never considered doing the trunk or the underside of the hood. I like the contrast between the outside and underside.

And polishing everything is little blingy.

BMK · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2013, 06:24 PM

Yes I have also left the under hood and trunk in the aluminium without polishing.

As the body is brushed finished I just use a light polish on the under hood and trunk to clean any dirt or scuff marks off.

David Kirkham · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2013, 12:50 PM

Just realize the underside of the hoods, trunks, and doors have "dings" on them where we straighten them out. You will not be able to polish those areas very well. There are many, many guys who LOVE the look of the pick and file marks (myself included). I'd just leave it.

David

750hp · #7 (**permalink**) 07-04-2013, 07:25 AM

Looks like a lot of time and energy has gone into this one;

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 07-04-2013, 08:42 AM

There are at least two points that immediately catch the eye on that very nice looking car....

The trash can reflected in the back quarter is not one of them.

Bernica · #9 (**permalink**) 07-04-2013, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

There are at least two points that immediately catch the eye on that very nice looking car....

The trash can reflected in the back quarter is not one of them.

Beautiful car! The trash can had me mesmerized for a while, but then I caught the twin roll bars. Another member of your cult Patrick!

Dangerous Doug · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2013, 09:40 AM

I think that's a guy in a blue shirt. I see the photographer, as well.

Polished aluminum Cobras look spectacular! Stunning! Wow!

DD

David Kirkham · #11 (**permalink**) 07-04-2013, 02:12 PM

So, when you work for Kirkham Motorsports and you have a bit of time on your hands over the weekend...this is what you get

Fabulous car!

David

RodKnock · #12 (**permalink**) 07-04-2013, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

There are at least two points that immediately catch the eye on that very nice looking car....

Yep, no door hinge covers, the hood and trunk prop rods as well as the wheel lips need to be polished and the rubber steering wheel definitely has to go.

And it shows me that I have a lot of work to do when I re-polish my car.