Removing Old Adhesive from Aluminum - Grills

[gruizer]

I'm on the long journey of re-assembling my freshly painted 02.  Part of that is trying to refurbish as much of the original trim as possible.  I've found many posts here about freshening up anodized aluminum.  I really like the look of the early grills without the black slats, so I removed the slats and now I'm left with glue residue from 50 years ago.  I'm having a heck of a time removing it from the grills.  How do you guys get your grills to look so good without the slats?  Here is a pic of what I want vs what I have right now.

[TobyB]

heat, and patience.

 

t

not abrasive

[gruizer]

2 minutes ago, TobyB said:

heat, and patience.

 

t

not abrasive

Awww man Toby I was hoping you weren’t going to say that. Time to get out the heat gun!

[esty]

lacquer thinner or acetone, it won't hurt the aluminum

[conkitchen]

9 minutes ago, esty said:

lacquer thinner or acetone, it won't hurt the aluminum

whilst I'm a bit of a maniac when it comes to let's see what works, WD40 and a mild steal wool does wonders.  

 

see my tag line below

[gruizer]

1 minute ago, conkitchen said:

whilst I'm a bit of a maniac when it comes to let's see what works, WD40 and a mild steal wool does wonders.  

 

see my tag line below

The steel wool and wd40 has been working to make it shine, but that glue is really on there. I’m thinking I might have to soak it overnight in thinner. 

[conkitchen]

1 minute ago, gruizer said:

The steel wool and wd40 has been working to make it shine, but that glue is really on there. I’m thinking I might have to soak it overnight in thinner. 

Suppose one could always put back the black covers, no? That way no worries about the glue.  

[gruizer]

I could, but I’m going for the all aluminum look. Like the early 1600s

[conkitchen]

12 minutes ago, gruizer said:

I could, but I’m going for the all aluminum look. Like the early 1600s

Well then ya need a 10 slat center grill too. 😀

[gruizer]

I have the 10 slat kidney grill. I bought it from a FAQer. Im now at the point of no return 😁 This hobby really brings out the OCD in all of us! 

Edited September 30, 2023 by gruizer

[conkitchen]

1 minute ago, gruizer said:

I have the 10 slat kidney grill. I bought it from a FAQer. Im now at the point of no return 😁

You are on final approach, maintain attitude, safe landing, over and out .

[gruizer]

Thanks man, you’ve already helped me more than you know. I have quite a few of your old parts on this thing. Thanks for the motivation!

[conkitchen]

6 minutes ago, gruizer said:

Thanks man, you’ve already helped me more than you know. I have quite a few of your old parts on this thing. Thanks for the motivation!

About a tenth of the cars on this forum likely have had a run in with me. Good and bad if you ask Eddy. 

[Mike Self]

The factory, I think used something akin to contact cement (AKA gorilla snot); I had no problem removing the old glue on my '73s grille slats by soaking a paper towel with lacquer thinner and wrapping it around the offending slat.  

 

I also had good success with a gently applied heat gun to remove the old slats; when heated, the slats take most of the glue with 'em when you pull 'em loose.

 

I wouldn't use steel wool, though.  You'll dull the anodizing.  How about some crumpled up aluminum foil?

 

mike

[ricsix]

Goof Off usually works for me in situations like this