I was wondering if anyone had a secret to restore the upper and lower grill moldings, headlinght door moldings and headlight bezels for a 68 RS. They are in great shape, other than the paint & shine. They are aluminum, and I have tried several buffs with jewlers rouge. It just seems to spread the metal around. I have tried 800 grit paper, but it does not shine.
Should I just buy repros?

They are aluminum, and I have tried several buffs with jewlers rouge. It just seems to spread the metal around. I have tried 800 grit paper, but it does not shine.

That's because they're clear anodized. It needs to be removed before the aluminum can be buffed to a shine. The only way it can be removed is through a chemical dipping process.

These guys have got a lot of publicity on TV recently for doing exactly what you need. They specialize in restoring original trim and supposedly they can fix even mangled stuff. So if yours only needs refinishing & detailing these guys should fit the bill.

http://www.kingoftrim.com

I always try to stick with original stuff especially trim so I would look into these guys or even a local plater before getting repro stuff.

You can take the anodizing off with plain ole oven cleaner in an aerosole can.
We used to do it to racing parts all the time...