Should I go billet?

[Tillmanator]

Hi Folks,

I am about to embark on restoring a 1963 VW bug. It's going to be TOTALLY cool as I'm doing it in art deco style. I've never seen one like that so it will be unique once I'm finished. I'm looking into lots of billet replacement parts like running boards, window cranks and door pulls, dash knobs, shifter knob and steering wheel.

I don't know much about caring for these items.... just that they look COOL. Any advice on how to care for billet parts (interior and exterior). And if it's a real hassle, is chrome better or worse? I could go with the stock items, but I'm looking for a bit more of a custom look.

Thanks for any advice.

[Michael Stoops]

Re: Should I go billet?

Get yourself a bucket of a good metal polish like NXT All Metal Polysh or the new Mag polish that Meguiar's just came out with (awesome stuff, by the way) and an acre of white terry cloth towels. Be prepared to polish often, but I think it looks better than chrome.

[DFTowel]

Re: Should I go billet?

...Be prepared to polish often, but I think it looks better than chrome.

I agree but I give my polished aluminum pieces (air cleaner, valve covers, window cranks, steering wheel, etc.) a coat of paste wax to protect them after polishing. The wax definitely protects the metal and retards tarnish and stains like water spots. You can also buy a sealant for aluminum but I've never tried it.