I posted in the detailing forum but didn't get anything. Maybe someone here will know.

I don't want to pay $120+ for a nice shinny engine heatshield. I saw couple people polish the OEM one. How can I do this?

I never polished anyhting in my life so I'm gonna need some hand holding...

Thanks

 

Sand blast the factory coating off (if possible), sand with increasingly fine grit paper, eventually get to wet sanding it, then proceed to using some metal polish, wipe with thinner and apply clear coat.

 

pics of it

 

i dont know if i would apply clear coat, i did it once and it gets so hot that it burned and looked crappy.

 

It is alot of work for a reward that rusts so easy. Get it powder coated. It wont be a polished finish though. Or search the for sale ads and get a used one for 50-60 dollars.

 

 

skip polishing the heat shield take it of and get some heat wrap it has the same effect the heat shield does plus your turbo will work more efficiently.

 

i say just pay the money and get the manifold ported and jet coated. mine looks great and everything comes off of it

 

The OP asked how to polish it.

 

yes, im just thoughing other options out their that are nice to.

 

oh, in that case cool bro.

To the OP try aircraft paint remover to help you get to the bare metal, then with 400grit sandpaper give it some elbow love then work your way up 800grit ,1000grit. When you get your mirror finish get some type of polishing compound.

 

Steel wool is all you need. You'll be surprised how easy it is. Get medium and fine grades. Start with the medium and get all of the factory paint off, then polish it up with the fine grade. Works well on everything aluminum (intercooler, radiator, intercooler piping, etc).

I wouldn't bother with clear coat.

 

Sharp looking setup, just need some stainless steel hardware to put the final touch on it.

Josh

 

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...ad-shield.html

Circa 2006.

 

Has anyone actually painted theirs and had it hold up? I painted mine with high temp a while back and it looked REALLY good. It was black and I even painted a red mitsu emblem with a VIII on it. I was pretty pleased with myself. One drive later the paint was already starting to bubble and burn off.