I think I screwed up. Save me from myself. Wheel Trim

[jlemler]

I have a 70 Cuda.  I purchased some decent wheel trim for a ridiculous price.  Since my care is a driver I could not leave well enough alone.  I had time to kill and so I thought I would get the nicks out and shine these puppies up.  I started with some 150 grit and did about 1/3 of the trim on on piece.  I worked my way up to 1200 grit.  While it is getting better it is still cloudy.  Do I keep going with finer grit or I'm I totally of base with my approach?

I also assume that the trim is aluminum am I right?
Is it anodized?  If so how do I get that finish?
Am I in over my head and should I stop and just polish put on and call it a day?
Correct me if I am wrong but all Cudas came with the wheel trim?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Jeff

[Cuda Cody]

Some Hemi's did not get wheels trim.  So I'm pretty sure not all Cuda's got wheel trim.

They make good reproduction wheel trim.  That might be your best option. 

[Shane Kelley]

Yes it's anodized aluminum. You started with a pretty aggressive grit so the scratches are going to be a lot to deal with. But it can be done. I wouldn't use anything less than 800 to start and then 1000 followed up by 1500.  Then polish them up.  You almost need a clear of some sort to preserve them after you polish them of they will constantly keep getting dull. I also wouldn't use the heavy grit anywhere that doesn't need it. Like only the front edge that takes a beating. Just sand to good areas with the 1500 to remove the anodizing and even the finish out.     

[Ns1aar]

All mine are stainless steel never seen an aluminum one doesn't mean it didn't happen though

[HEMICUDA]

All mine are stainless steel never seen an aluminum one doesn't mean it didn't happen though

All ebody wheel well trim are aluminum.

[anlauto]

The wheel lip moldings were a standard part of the "BS" Cuda package, so you're correct in assuming that ALL 1970-1974 Cudas should have the trim with the exception of 70-71 Hemicudas and  70 AAR Cudas.

All E Body wheel lip molding were made out of aluminum only, and I don't believe any reproductions were made out of anything but aluminum

[GY3R/T]

     If they are original pieces and are in good condition, send them out to a reputable company to be restored and anodized. IMHO,  Original alluminum wheelwell  trim is better quality (Harder and darker) than reproduction Trim. AND It will fit much better !   

         FWIW.   Anodizing should be chemically removed. Not sanded.

[jimynick]

While I wouldn't argue with the premise that oem trim is best, the cost of stripping, repairing and re-anodizing will be way more than buying replacements IMHO. 

[Ns1aar]

The wheel lip moldings were a standard part of the "BS" Cuda package, so you're correct in assuming that ALL 1970-1974 Cudas should have the trim with the exception of 70-71 Hemicudas and  70 AAR Cudas.

All E Body wheel lip molding were made out of aluminum only, and I don't believe any reproductions were made out of anything but aluminum

I guess I missed it. The OP says wheel trim I assumed he was referring to trim rings not wheel well trim