Hi all,
I have the windshield kit for the Rhode Runner - but the holder parts don’t really look so nice. I guess some cast aluminum plus a little finishing. But, the surface is very rough, very much in contrast with the rest of the boat. Its a detail but I know I will be annoyed by it every time I see the boat.
What are my options? Can I sand it to the quality I want and then do a chromium coating? Any others here do something similar?
I sanded mine working down to 400 grit and/or 00 steel wool, and then buffing compound with a dremel buffing wheel. They don’t shine like chrome, but they are smooth (satin finish) and shiny enough for me. Probably a couple of hours of time invested, but worth it. If you look into chrome coating I think you’ll be unhappily surprised at the price quotes. I recommend a good coat of wax on them after polishing to delay the inevitable oxidation, and to prevent “spotty” oxidation - they’ll develop a more gray patina over time. Mine still look fine after 3 years.
Ok thanks. I’ll give it a shot and see where I get. Knowing myself, I’ll end up spending a weekend polishing and still send it out to get passivated. Luckily I know a good place locally, but yeah as you say, not cheap.
I was also very disappointed in the quality of the casting. A lot of pits. Horrible fitment. Misaligned screw holes. Overall, just crude. And expensive!
I ended up using filler and paint. If I had it to do over again, I would find some vintage brackets,and make the windshield a little wider and taller
