USAF Thunderbirds F-16 LEF Polish

[JoeKhoda]

So I was a little hesitant about posting this project on here since it isn't really automotive related. Then I thought "I made something shiny so what the heck"

What I actually did was polish the metal strip on the leading edge of the LEFs (leading edge flaps) that are only found on Thunderbird F-16s.

I know there are better products out there that probably could of done a better job, but as far as the Air Force goes, there aren't very many things that they will let us do. This is almost bending the rules a little bit anyway. Plus this is what was available to me, and it was free. So go easy on me

With that on to the pics!

My technique was to buff with a brown rouge, then white rouge. I tried using the 12k grit sandpaper, but I didn't notice much difference so I decided not to use it. After all the buffing by the drill was done, I then buffed with Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish by hand to try and clean up anything left by the machine buffing.

My baby



The tools I used



Right side before









Right side after















Left side before











Right side after






Towed the jet to the flightline so I had the opportunity to take some pictures outside in the sun











Sooo at this point I was really on a roll, so I decided to knock out a few more things around the jet!!

Smoke oil spray tip



I had to take it off anyway to fix it



So this is what crew chiefs call "The Wedding Band" its located on the nose landing gear. Decided to clean this up a bit too. For this, I only used Mother's Mag and Aluminum polish and a rag. Don't have a before pic, but I can assure you it was very tarnished.



As always, thanks for looking!

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Right on Joe! Looking good buddy!

I know there are a few more of those "Birds" over there that could use some of your TLC.... lol

[JoeKhoda]

Thanks buddy.

Haha yeah, maybe Ill start charging to hook up the other jets. On second thought, na that's the crew chief's responsibility!

[hernandez.art13]

Glad you posted it. Really nice...

[Pureshine]

You should never use any kinda of sand paper on bright work on plain. The bright work on the leading edges it not very thick so any kinda of sanding is never recommend. Even when you a metal polish with cut in it you have to be very careful. Your work look really good nice job.

[JoeKhoda]

Glad you posted it. Really nice...

Thanks!

You should never use any kinda of sand paper on bright work on plain. The bright work on the leading edges it not very thick so any kinda of sanding is never recommend. Even when you a metal polish with cut in it you have to be very careful. Your work look really good nice job.

Haha yeah, learned the hard way I suppose. I had to be extremely careful. Definitely did not want to do anything to screw up a $25,000 LEF!

[Mike Phillips]

My vote for one of the coolest and most unique write-ups I've seen in a long time.

Thank you for sharing.

I'd also like to thank you for the USAF Blue Thunderbirds Medallion you gave me at SEMA! It was a pleasure to meet you and thank you for your service to our country.







Just to note...

Not only is Joe an avid car enthusiast with a passion for detailing, he also flies one of these jets as part of the US Air Force Thunderbirds Team.

[Dr_Pain]

First off, thank you for your service and second the aircraft thanks you for your service LOL!

As Mike said, probably one of the coolest write up in a while. Thoroughly enjoyed the pictures

[vet]

Fantastic! And thanks for your service!

[Vegas Transplant]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
I'd bet that others watching the process thought that you were off your rocker.

Excellent thread.

The bling produced on the wedding band is incredible...by hand at that.

Kudos to you.