Sanding/Polishing Ski Pylon

[PUskier]

I have a 94 Echelon with a center ski pylon. I am guessing it is aluminum, but I am not really sure. There are several scratches and nics in the pylon. I think they are from a previous owner with a boom or pylon extension. I am not sure the best way to repair them. They are not really deep, but I am not sure if I should sand and polish, and if so what is the process? Any help or suggestions from others experience would be great.

[Ndawg12]

I used these guys when I bought materials to polish my Titan 3 tower (stainless steel). They're prices are pretty good.

[martinarcher]

If there are nicks in the aluminum you will have to sand it with a rough grit (200 or so) and work your way up to a 600-800 grit or higher and then polish it with a wheel to get the shine back. If your not worried about getting the nicks out, just hand polish it (or wheel polish it) with a good high cut compound and then finish it with something like Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish and it will really shine.

If you polish it with a buffing wheel be sure to cover the interior with something as those wheels will sling residue everywhere.

[PUskier]

Thanks for the help guys. I would like to get the nicks out. So I think I will start sanding and see what happens. I will take your advice and start with something like 200 grit and work up to the finer stuff. Then the polish sounds good.

Thanks I will let you know how it turns out.

[Woodski]

MA's suggestions work wonders, Mothers leaves the pylon very nicely shined up. That era boat has a finer finish on the pylon allowing one to end up with a nice mirror finish if desired. Cover the carpet under the pylon as you work on it.