Aluminium panels basic preparation

[UpNorth]

Hi all,

If I do not intend to paint or PC my AL panels what is the basic preparation I have to do in order to get rid of the inscriptions, ready to get thermo-tec or carpet on the inside and at least presentable on the outside.

Thanks in advance.

[edwardb]

Wash them down with acetone or lacquer thinner. The ink markings will come right off. Do it sooner than later if you plan to leave them natural. Also doesn't hurt to break the edges so they're not sharp. And deburr the holes you'll be drilling for rivets before installing.

[Railroad]

Carb or brake cleaner will do if that is what you have on hand.
If you have some scratches that will show, you can rub them out with some scotch brite. This will take the natural gloss off the alum. To make the whole panel look consistent, rub in long straight lines.
I am using shark hyde on my bare panels and anything else that can oxidize.
Hope this is useful.

[UpNorth]

Thank you guys!

[Norm B]

X2 on the Scotchbrite directional scrub. I clear coated the panels I thought would be the most visible with rattle can high temp clear coat. That was 5 years ago and they still look like new when given a quick wipe with a damp cloth. Here’s a picture during the build.

Norm

[UpNorth]

Norm,
Looks good!
Thanks for the input.