03 Tahoe Polished Aluminum Door Trim Restoration

[ShookieJay]

Looking for tips and product recommendations for polishing the aluminum trim on the lower part of the doors on my 03 Tahoe. They have taken on a cloudy appearance and I would like to make them shine again. I've learned from past experience that anodized aluminum is tricky to clean up, assuming it's anodized anyway. What has worked for you guys?

 

[mountie]

Looking for tips and product recommendations for polishing the aluminum trim on the lower part of the doors on my 03 Tahoe. They have taken on a cloudy appearance and I would like to make them shine again. I've learned from past experience that anodized aluminum is tricky to clean up, assuming it's anodized anyway. What has worked for you guys?

If it's anodized, the surface isn't aluminum. It's probably a plated coating. If it has deteriorated, try a 'safe' polish then a wax? Try one of those 'gritty' hand cleaners first?
( hard to know, without seeing it close up)

 

[mwilson62000]

Years ago my 03 had same issue. I used something like this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1939978312...UVyOzfYSaO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

They were cut to exact size and stuck on over existing trim and looked much better. For $40, might be worth a try. Don’t have a close up, but here is what mine looked like. Had them on for several years and still looked good.

 

[B-train]

He ^^^^^^^ beat me to it. I was going to suggest that save yourself the headache and replace them. Once they look like what you have, there isn't any options that will look good long term. That aluminum or chrome finish is almost a faux finish. Think fake snap together wood flooring........oops my kid effed it up, how do I fix it? Replace and start over. It's the money vs time/agrivation conundrum

 

[Tonyrodz]

Plastidipped mine black. Looks much better imo.

 

[91RS]

Just rip the whole molding off and trash it. These trucks have a great body line and look better and more modern without the ugly side molding.

 

[ShookieJay]

Years ago my 03 had same issue. I used something like this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1939978312...UVyOzfYSaO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

They were cut to exact size and stuck on over existing trim and looked much better. For $40, might be worth a try. Don’t have a close up, but here is what mine looked like. Had them on for several years and still looked good.View attachment 384886

Thanks, I might give that a try. Also I love those wheels! What size and are they GM? I've been thinking about getting bigger wheels so I can run the bigger brakes from the newer models. I hear they bolt right up but won't fit with the stock wheels.

 

[mwilson62000]

@ShookieJay. Those are 18” GM wheels. I believe they were Silverado Z71 wheels From around 2015-2018. Check eBay, Craigslist and local Facebook marketplace. Here is one listing.

chevy 18 inch wheels Off 2015 Silverado . Excellent Condition No Scratches 4 Ea | eBay

<p>chevy 18 inch wheels Off 2015 Silverado . Excellent Condition No Scratches 4 Ea. </p><p>Shoot me an offer , no lowballing please </p>

www.ebay.com

Yes, the Nnbs brake upgrade requires at least 17” wheels. Not sure about the 2020 big brake upgrade.

 

[91RS]

17's will also work with the 19+ upgrade but offset and spoke design is a huge factor. The wheel has to be very flat and have fairly thin spokes.

 

[Mrobinson]

Years ago my 03 had same issue. I used something like this. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1939978312...UVyOzfYSaO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

They were cut to exact size and stuck on over existing trim and looked much better. For $40, might be worth a try. Don’t have a close up, but here is what mine looked like. Had them on for several years and still looked good.View attachment 384886

How was the process getti g old ones off and prepping for new ones