Can you machine buff the ZL1's ECF Hood Insert?

[lbls1]

I've been hearing conflicting stories on whether or not the ECF insert can be polished. I was convinced that it was ok until I found a bulletin I had laying around. The bulletin stated that the insert should not be polished by a machine.

I want to know for sure, as I am getting myself ready to do a full detail on my ZL in a couple of weeks. I want to avoid any chance that the clear may bubble or de-laminate from the carbon fiber surface (as a result from heat from the DA buffer). Any help would be appreciated.

[charlietuna]

YES YOU CAN

http://youtu.be/YbMFeYtuQeM

[AmericanMuscleCars]

They should be clear coated so it should be just like regular paint.

[el ess A]

You can, but I think it would depend on the type of machine you use. If you simply use a porter cable for example, you can likely get away with it. A high speed pro buffer may generate too much heat and damage the coating or cause delamination if not properly trained to use it. Probably want to avoid that.

If you screw it up, it won't be a good thing and there's no going back. Too expensive of a part to go out and buy outright as well. So unless there's obvious flaws that need correcting, I'd probably clean it by hand. But that's just me.

[el ess A]

Found something that might be useful:

http://www.drbeasleys.com/blog/2012/...-carbon-fiber/

[lbls1]

^Thanks, this is very helpful. I browsed the link a bit; Any idea of a type of gelcoat glaze? 3m?

I appreciate this a lot. I was fearful of ruining the insert, and I even thought of skipping that area for safety.

Edit: I think for this time around I'll use the 3m Finesse It Hand Glaze. I have a lot of experience with detailing, but every now and then you learn something new. With my baby however, I do not want to take chances.

[DylanVK]

You can treat it just like any other clear coated part of the car... remember you're treating the SURFACE not the underlying substrate. Wouldn't matter if it was carbon fiber, fiber glass, plastic, or paint... in the end you're only addressing the surface which is clear coated.

[lbls1]

I am looking at the Youtube link. Doesn't look any different than what I usually do (except that I use a lot of masking when I polish). I'll take my time and watch closely. For now I probably won't use a harsh polish, until I get a better feel of the surface.

I appreciate the help.