Tank Protector

Depends what its "dirty" with. Since its aluminum it can be polished but keeping it nice is a chore. I'd go with an aftermarket SS shield. I've got pics if you want to see.

As I recall that piece is aluminium...you can try some Mothers wheel polish first, but if the metal is pitted or corroded, you should take some wet and dry sandpaper to the metal to smooth the surface out...so if it is very pitted start with maybe 800 grit sand paper and then go to 1000 grit then to ultrafine grit and use a ton of water when sanding. Be careful to start with the least gritty paper as possible to leave as few scratches as possible. This process will give you a smooth surface and is much like buffing a cars paint, except this is a little harsher process. Then take a buffing wheel to it with some buffing compound (you could also try this first without sanding...it depends on the surface and how bad it is...as I recall my panel is pretty corroded)...I think they call it buffing rouge and it comes in sticks that you rub on the buffing wheel and there are different grits.

Get a buffing wheel from the hardware store and put it on your bench grinder or a hand held grinder. You apply the buffing compound to the buffing wheel while it is turning and then apply to the metal and walla, you will see the surface start to gleem...wear very old clothes or an apron, it is a very dirty process.

Thats what I did on some projects years ago, maybe someone else has a better way of doing it?

Have a sheet metal shop clean it and anodize it. It can even be done in colors.

My 73 was a Alum sheet sandwiched. I recall there might have been some insulation between the outer and inner sheets. For me a scotchbright pad for that brushed alum look was the ticket. If it gets dirty or scratched just another pass with the pad and soapy water.

Thanks all. I have the model that is Alum with insulation in between. I will post a pic of before and after.

Thanks again