Getting scratches out of aluminum running boards?

Slide

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 2, 2010
Messages
269
I swiped my F-150's passenger side running board pretty good on a rock this morning :mad::mad::mad:

The scratches are long but not extremely deep, but they do look like hell. What's the best way to repair? Wet sanding? I've never worked with aluminum scratches before, don't want to make it worse.
 

WIMUSKY

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Sep 26, 2009
Messages
20,053
Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum running boards?

I think it's going to be a multi step process. Doubt wet sanding only will do the job. You may need to even start with a "fine" file. Then work your way to wet sanding by using various grits in between. Then you may need to polish the whole board to blend in the repair....
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,103
Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum running boards?

I swiped my F-150's passenger side running board pretty good on a rock this morning :mad::mad::mad:

The scratches are long but not extremely deep, but they do look like hell. What's the best way to repair? Wet sanding? I've never worked with aluminum scratches before, don't want to make it worse.

Ayuh,... Chances are, they were anodized when built, 'n there's Nothin' you can do to fix yer scratch...

You'll never get it to polish out, 'n if ya do, it'll re-corrode in a few days...
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,758
Re: Getting scratches out of aluminum running boards?

Ayuh,... Chances are, they were anodized when built, 'n there's Nothin' you can do to fix yer scratch...

You'll never get it to polish out, 'n if ya do, it'll re-corrode in a few days...

Exactly.

And its a running board, there to take the abuse and protect your truck.
 
Top