Any way to remove scuffs from a chassis?

[mk-Zero]

Recently I bought this new built Worlds car from a member on here. He said the chassis was scratched from the factory. That's AE for ya...
Anyway, I would call it more of a scuff mark than a scratch per se, it doesn't really seem to have any depth. Anyone know how I can get rid of this? And no, I don't want to sand all the anodizing off

[jwscab]

I'm not sure there is much you can do with that. it's likely a scuff that lightly damaged the microscopic anodizing layer. what does it look like if you put some water or alcohol on the area, does it all blend in? if so, you might get away with some flat clear paint on the bottom.

the other thing is that anodizing is hard, its possibly not scratched but instead has material from the other object rubbed into the pores. maybe a light scrubbing with a light brush, like a toothbrush with some soap or alcohol?

[RC10th]

If it's in the surface only and you can't feel a scratch I've had incredible luck using automotive cut/polish on almost everything. I have not tried it on anodizing though so you might try on part of an old tub first.

[lmw94002]

A lot of polish removes "oxidation" so it can damage anodizing. eg, Mother's polish is awesome is polish raw aluminum to a great shine... but definitely don't want to use it on anodized aluminum. I use it actually to strip titanium anodizing.

Like said above, because the surface texture can be a fine texture sometimes plastic can leave a scuff that can be buffed out. I'd try a rag with some warm dish-soapy water and try to rub the area. Also if it "polishes" the finish in that area, it's easy to do the whole chassis.

Doesn't LOOK like it's through anodized later, but it may have been scuffed w/ enough pressure to change the surface finish... so buffing could help diminish the appearance but ultimately would not correct it.

I'd take the chassis off your hands if it's not good enough for your project.

[scr8p]

I have a new worlds tub laying around. If I knew that I would be having it redone in another color I would swap you.

[RC10th]

I'm talking about paint polish, not metal polish. Mothers mag polish would strip the anodizing off. Paint cut/polish is far less aggressive.

Meguiars #105 is particularly what I use on everything. I highly doubt it would remove hard anodizing, worth a shot if you've got nothing else.....

[mk-Zero]

Thanks guys. I tried Simple green and rubbing it with a paper towel, it didn't do anything.
I have some plastic polish, and some auto paint polish, maybe I'll try those in an inconspicuous area and see what they do.

Normally I wouldn't care about a little mark like that, but I think I am going to build a brand new RC10M with my kit and throw it up an eBay, see what it does. So I want it to be perfect.

But if someone had a pan that was perfect they were going to have PC'd and they'd be willing to swap that would certainly be nice!

[lmw94002]

Just be that guy that doesn't post a pic of the bottom of the tub... hahaha.

[Phin]

I have an art/drawing pencil eraser that I've found useful for removing all kinds of marks from parts. It's not the kind on the end of a No. 2 pencil, or a gum eraser though. It's a little more abrasive than those but still doesn't mess up anodizing. Even a normal one might be worth a shot though. Test it on something else first.

[mk-Zero]

The eraser is a good idea. I was also wondering about a Magic Eraser, I'm always surprised by the stuff my wife removes with those around the house.

[clm]

Sorry about that chassis Mk-Zero.. I was quite annoyed when I originally opened the box and saw it that way. I hope it was nothing that was a surprise when you opened the box, I tried to make a point about the rubs.

[mk-Zero]

No apology needed man, you were very up front about it, I knew it had it. In fact, I was expecting it to be worse!

Anyway, it's all good, I'm pretty sure I can get rid of it one way or another.