matt_good
Contributor
Posts: 143
Loc: Sherwood, Oregon
Reg: 03-27-09
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10-28-11 05:02 PM - Post#2152163
Hello. What (if any) is a good technique for restoring polished alumminum to it's former glory? No matter what I do I still see whiteish calcium(?) deposits preventing a shine. Do I need a cutting compound or possibly a chemical that'll just eat through it? Thanks in advance!
Matt Good
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS 327/powerglide
1969 Chevrolet C20 350/SM465 |
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 bowtieollie
ChevyTalk Subject Matter Expert
Posts: 20903
Loc: See the USA in your Chevr...
Reg: 12-06-99
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10-28-11 05:20 PM - Post#2152172
In response to matt_good
Hi Matt,
Are you sure the white deposits are not UNDER some clear coating???
If the aluminum is natural finish, those white marks should polish out.
I have used aluminum wheel cleaner for "natural, uncoated" wheels with good success as a base for restoring the polished appearance. These cleaners are usually an alkaline base - such as oxylic or phosphoric acid.
For coated aluminum its usually a sodium based detergent to prevent coating damage. (good for brake dust removal on wheels)
I have several vehicles which had anodized bumpers. I removed the anodize and polished the aluminum to a chrome like shine via various grits of paper and aluminum polish. To maintain the appearance, I only use Mothers Billet Polish.
It does not leave any minor scratches in the final finish. 
Bowtieollie
Chevytalk.com Moderator |
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someotherguy
Moderator
Posts: 23559
Age: 43
Loc: Texas
Reg: 08-01-03
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10-28-11 05:55 PM - Post#2152180
In response to bowtieollie
Wenol is incredible for removing weird stains from aluminum. I highly recommend it. You may need to mail-order/ebay/etc. but it's worth the effort. Telling you, this stuff is nothing short of magic for funky aluminum finishes. And, a little goes a looooooooooong way.
It instantly cleared up stains that Mother's mag polish, Nevr-Dull (which I refer to as Nevr-Does, because it never does anything for me), etc. wouldn't even touch.
Richard
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matt_good
Contributor
Posts: 143
Loc: Sherwood, Oregon
Reg: 03-27-09
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10-28-11 09:25 PM - Post#2152222
In response to someotherguy
Wenol sounds great! I just wanted to clarify... I'm working on old trim. Stuff that's seen almost 50 years.
Matt Good
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS 327/powerglide
1969 Chevrolet C20 350/SM465 |
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too many chevys
Contributor
Posts: 233
Age: 55
Loc: south central Mo.
Reg: 06-06-09
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10-31-11 05:08 PM - Post#2153206
In response to matt_good
I've been trying to learn lately, how to restore aluminum trim. I found the drain cleaner Restodan uses takes the anodizing off well, then you can polish with what ever you like.
I have trouble with the scratches and small dents. I don't know the best way to get the scratches out. I know the wire wheel on the grinder doesn't work; it just opens up a million pits that have to be sanded out later.
Mearl
Mearl
'65 Chevelle SS convertible, '65 C-10 shortbed
'67 Camaro RS, '68 corvair
'65 C-80 tractor (409)
'63 Impala 409, 4spd.
'72 Nova, '55 Belair 2dr post
'72 Corvette
Never time to do it right, always time to do it over. |
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bowtieollie
ChevyTalk Subject Matter Expert
Posts: 20903
Loc: See the USA in your Chevr...
Reg: 12-06-99
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10-31-11 06:06 PM - Post#2153236
In response to matt_good
Matt, you have anodized aluminum.
The anodize must be removed to start the restoration.
You can use Drain Cleaner - the lye removes the ano.
Just be careful with this stuff... its very dangerous 
Bowtieollie
Chevytalk.com Moderator |
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matt_good
Contributor
Posts: 143
Loc: Sherwood, Oregon
Reg: 03-27-09
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12-02-11 10:44 PM - Post#2164341
In response to bowtieollie
And then I have to re-annodize it after the restoration? How do I do that?
Matt Good
1964 Chevrolet Impala SS 327/powerglide
1969 Chevrolet C20 350/SM465 |
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Willys36
Contributor
Posts: 501
Age: 64
Loc: Bakersfield CA
Reg: 07-08-09
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02-15-12 05:27 PM - Post#2191040
In response to matt_good
Use spray Easy-Off oven cleaner to remove the anodize. It a caustic gtoo but is much less dangerous than lye! Spray it on let it soak for a few minutes than wipe it off. May need to use a second coat on stubborn spots but it works great. Then do the metal work, file, sand, and polish. It will be very shiny but vulnerable to corrosion with the anodize removed so keep it waxed or have it re-anodized at a plating shop.
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