[400 4spd.]

Pictured above (post #7) are what we call sill "moldings", sill "plates", sill "trim", etc.
Those are made of aluminum.
What you are describing is rocker molding. It covers the outside of the rocker panel and goes from wheel opening to wheel opening, just as you said. It is made of stainless steel.
See post #2 from Old Goat (Charles) for proper polishing advise. There is no miracle wipe on-wipe off product that will restore the original luster.

Side note, I just had 16 pieces of stainless professionally done. The cost was $1800.

[fiesta62]

oh ok rocker moulding then, yep i hoped sanding and autosol might do it, but expected i really will need a electric buff and compounds, but no problem will be searching for products and will have the rocker molds glowing in no time....

[My442]

First, buffing with a high speed wheel takes skill, and can be dangerous to you and your parts.

Be extremely careful that the wheel does not grab the part. It will go flying at high velocity. And, trim parts are sharp. You can get a nasty cut as well.

Wear a face shield and heavy leather gloves.

I send my parts out to be buffed....had a few bad experiences.

[fiesta62]

Originally Posted by My442

First, buffing with a high speed wheel takes skill, and can be dangerous to you and your parts.

Be extremely careful that the wheel does not grab the part. It will go flying at high velocity. And, trim parts are sharp. You can get a nasty cut as well.

Wear a face shield and heavy leather gloves.

I send my parts out to be buffed....had a few bad experiences.

ok good advice, i'm a builder so used to angle grinders and things but good point about flying trims, never buffed anything never used a buffer, old goat mentioned strapping to a board so i will do that then it cant go flying, thanks