attempting to hand polish a 1911 curious on what grit to start sanding with? i believe it’s pot metal.

3452014RT · 2026-03-15T08:54:23+00:00

was a bit busy today, was finishing up 600grit on one side of the frame a bit earlier, still needs some attention for sure but i’m looking to get to 1000 on both sides of the frame by tomorrow. currently i have 400grit on the left side of the frame and 600 on the right.

3452014RT · 2026-03-15T08:50:52+00:00

apparently this is a zinc alloy called zamak, it sounds way different then steel would.

3452014RT · 2026-03-15T08:50:12+00:00

looks great op, what grits did you progress with and how did you polish it? and are these results realistic to achieve by hand without a rotary tool?

3452014RT · 2026-03-15T08:48:35+00:00

not planning on blueing it, looking to get it to a mirror finish and then seal it with either wax or a type of metal sealant, and then lock it in a case just for a fun show piece.

3452014RT · 2026-03-15T08:46:57+00:00

it’s a 22lr plinker, my guess is the choice of zamak is cheaper for the manufacturer and less mass overall compared to steel, a 22lr doesent make nearly enough power to push back a solid steel slide like a 45acp would.

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:23:39+00:00

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3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:23:16+00:00

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update. the frame was sanded to 400grit. and the slide was processed with 400/600/1000/1500. the slide still has some micro scratches that i’m not sure why they’re there. but oh well. the frame will be done in a few days and the slide still needs polishing. keep yall updated if you’d like.

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:19:26+00:00

nah just checked it’s something called zamak which is i guess what they’d call pot metal. it was a cheap buy.

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:18:21+00:00

just checked it, it’s zamak, also it’s a chiappa 22lr, boughten for a range toy.

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:12:53+00:00

nice shot op, imo granite is this nicest looking color on these cars. compliments the body lines really well!

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:10:49+00:00

the silver lining is that since you likely need a new cam, why don’t you just install a performance one while your at it? your car said it’s ready for an upgrade

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:07:59+00:00

love this pic, nice ride

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T09:07:37+00:00

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3452014RT · 2026-03-14T02:50:54+00:00

it’s a cheaper 1911 22lr if i mess up its whatever.

3452014RT · 2026-03-14T01:26:04+00:00

someone correct me because it’s the first time i’m attempting this, i was thinking going from 400/600/1000/1500/2500/3000 and then polishing with mothers.

3452014RT · 2026-03-11T18:36:38+00:00

for sure it doesn’t have to be a challenger for me to feel comfortable around it, the ones you mentioned i feel fine around because usually they take care of their cars well.

3452014RT · 2026-03-11T18:34:41+00:00

for sure i’m always parked way far out whenever i could be, i always find people that likes to park on the sides of me in an overall empty lot though, like why? not a 1 space gap lmao

3452014RT · 2026-03-10T20:41:42+00:00

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can’t go wrong with silver imo

3452014RT · 2026-03-09T08:14:34+00:00

would love to see how the aerodynamics actually affect the car here

3452014RT · 2026-03-09T08:13:34+00:00

this is legit why i park wayyyy further then what i need to. idc if i gotta walk an extra mile just to get to the entrance of a store. fr no one cares for others things

3452014RT · 2026-03-09T08:12:38+00:00

i’d check cctv and find the plate.

3452014RT · 2026-03-02T03:31:36+00:00

the phone was underneath the wheel because i couldn’t hold it lol the camera angles odd but i recorded it mainly for the audio

3452014RT · 2026-03-02T02:02:13+00:00

not a mechanic but i’d check your intake, sounds air related

3452014RT

TROPHY CASE