Re anodising

[pappaecho]

My recently purchased Evasion 32 has anodised wheelhouse and main cabin windows. These were originally an autmn gold sort of colour - dark copper if you will, and are now patchy. Is it possible to get them re -anodied, and if so anybody know of a good firm on the south coast. The clear material inside is actually glass, so am reluctant to throw them away and replace with perspex.

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[VicS]

Look in yellow pages or Yell.com. 5 are listed in Hampshire

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple>Ne te confundant illegitimi.</font color=purple>

 

[jerryat]

Hi Pappaecho!

I would be extremely cautious about trying to re-anodise your windows. I tried exactly this a few months ago and it was a disaster. The problem is that old, even apparently 'perfect' windows, have tiny pinpricks of corrosion in them. My windows, for example, looked terrific, with no visible sign of corrosion, but the anodising looked 'tired' and somewhat patchy. I took them to a reputable company and asked their advice. They said yes, it could be done, but I would have to accept a lesser shine following the treatment. I was perfectly happy with this as all I wanted was the things to all look the same and be protected.

To say I was shocked when I collected was an understatement!! The finish was pock-marked although the general finish was shiny. At my insistance, they re-polished the frames, then re-anodised them, but frankly the final finish was awful, but was, they said, the best they could do.

In the end I bought new frames, so if anyone wants a set of anodised but not perfect frames for a Fulmar, they're free to a good home!

If I were you, I'd ask for a comprehensive guarantee of the finish, before you even consider going ahead, otherwise you may end up with similar problems to me.

Good luck with whatever route you take.

Jerry


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[kenk]

I was MD of an engineering company that had its own anodising plant.
I would not advise attempting to re-anodise your frames.
In order to re-anodise it is necessary to strip all the old anodising - this is done by immersing in a caustic solution. While the old anodising is being stripped the solution is attacking the areas where the anodising has worn off, screw holes, corroded patches, etc.
The end result will be a mess.
If anyone "guarantees" the job in advance they probably dont know what they're doing !
Stick with what you've got.

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[pappaecho]

Obviously those that know have come to the conclusion " Dont fix what aint broke".
I am obliged to Jerryat, and would like to know where he got new windows made up... did he use the existing glass/perspex or were they completely new?

<hr width=100% size=1>Def: Yachting - a way of spending the kids inheritance

 

[jerryat]

Hi pappaecho,

I glad you have decided to reconsider re-anodising your windows. Kenk is right, it was the removal of the old anodising that ruined mine!

I got completely new windows from:

C and J International Windows
Unit 10
Peacocks Industrial Estate
Providence Street
Cradley Heath
West Midlands B64 5DG

Tel: 01384 411884 (not sure this is the current number but PM me if not and I'll try and look out the right one!)

Speak to Jan, who is a delightful lady, and I'm sure she will be able to help you out. The quality of their workmanship is quite outstanding, and I am totally delighted with the windows they made for me.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Jerry

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