Polishing and Aluminum Tank

[propnut30]

I have a question that may not have been asked before. Wanted to get an opinion on it. I have a couple Aluminum Catalina 80s. And I wanted to see if they can be polished. I have don't this with a weedeater motor. 30cc Homelite. This was a converted for an RC boat. I figure if I can polish cast alum, a tank should be no problem. My worry is weakening the the tank and having a cato failure.

I see a lot of tanks in many color but few aluminums that are a chrome like finish. I thought it would be cool to do that than hit it with a Clear/blue lacquer to prevent oxidation. I figure if I cant polish it, I can use a metallic marbelizer.

THanks
Brian

 

[Wookie]

Don't heat the tank above (I think) 350°F, either during the polishing or painting process. Don't remove any metal.....

 

[Blue Sparkle]

If you look up member "ZKY," I think his avatar shows an aluminum tank he polished (unless he has changed it recently and I didn't notice). Also, IIRC, he did post about the process so you may be able to find that if you search.

Edited to add: Here is a link to the thread I referred to:

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/tanks-valves-bands/388026-heres-how-strip-aluminum-tanks.html

(And ZKY does still have the polished tank avatar.)

Blue Sparkle

 

[propnut30]

Thanks BlueSparkle, I like his method much better. My engine was an aftermarket, cast aluminum engine shroud (all the plastic parts of the engine but cast from aluminum. It was sand casted so it had a very rough texture. I started with 80 grit paper and worked down to 2000 grit. Took forever but man it is a beauty. The actual crank case was a bear with all the corners. I never finished the boat, i suppose its still under the old house. I never went back after my wife passed. I still have the engine sittin on a shelf in the mancave though. Here is link to some cool paint schemes I would love to try. The 3rd and 4th from the top are the marble finishes I like. Affordable Gun Stock Painting - Mike Ricklefs

 

[propnut30]

I will forever kick myself in the rear on this. I ended up recycling 20 80's last year. The base scrapped some refuel equipment that was air operated, and used dive tanks to power them. I was told to make the tanks dissapear. Had to bore holes int them and haul them off. At least I got to keep the money the recycling center gave me. I could have had all kind of tanks to practice on.

 

[Peter_C]

It can be done, but is a lot of work. Remember a tank is round, and a smooth surface so any imperfections are going to show. You will need a good DA to speed the sanding process.

The first time you go to use it, the tank is going to get scratched too.

ZKY polished his tank to use for modeling his Freedom Plates.