I just did the drip rail moldings and the moldings on the top of the door and 1/4 panel on my 65 HT.
I started sanding them and buffing them on a benchtop grinder/buffer. I accidently hit the wire wheel with the molding while buffing it (two wheels on the machine). It was a very fine wire wheel. I re-buffed it where it hit the wire wheel and it polished better and faster than the areas I had sanded.
Now I use the FINE wire wheel to remove the dull anodize finish then hit it with the black rouge and buffing wheel. With both wheels on the same machine, it went very fast. I did all the pieces on Sunday afternoon and they shine like a mirror. The more you buff the better the shine. It seems that the AL needs to get hot on the buffing wheel before it really gets bright.
I don't know how long the shine will last. A good wax job done periodically with the rest of the car should be adequate to preserve the shine.
Applying a clear finish scares me sinced I don't ever want to have to remove this molding again to redo it and I don't know how long the clear coat would last.
Good luck. If you find a better way, please let me know.
Bob
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