As always is to be expected with aluminum, my Boss style polished aluminum valve covers are starting to look a little “less than new”. Just wondering if anyone has any tips on how they like to keep polished aluminum looking good? I keep the covers waxed, but I need a light oxidation removal technique/materials. Not at the point of aluminum oxide (whitish) but looking a little dirty/not a smooth uniform expanse of shine in some spots as they were originally.
Thanks,
Bob
Check this out, I’ve heard good things. http://www.zephyrpro40.com/s2/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=77
Flitz or Met-all is what we use for bright-work on the airplanes around here, Bob.
Thanks for the suggestions guys. I thought perhaps Nevr Dull which I use on my boat would be good for Aluminum and they do mention it in the info on the product. I tried a wad of it tonight and it does turn black as I rub so it is doing something. Not sure it is aggressive enough to get the shine back that I want. I know the buffing wheel and the proper rouge will do it, but I am concerned about/do not want to remove the decals on the covers. Thought about maybe masking those off to protect them but am still a bit sheepish about trying the wheel for this reason. Truth be told they don’t look bad at all but I want them to look/stay like the day I put them on and began using the car.
Bob we use a lot of Flitz on our fire truck trim. The trim gets oxidized due to hard water. Flitz and a power ball does the trick for bringing back the shine.
Steven
Shine Seal ™ gets used on a lot of motorcycles with Al alloy parts that get polished and whatnot.
I know a dude who says it keeps his Yates motor shiny, despite all the oil mist from high rpm use.
http://www.shineseal.com/
Spendy, but bueno. Google it up and read some reviews.
Re-polish it up on the bench buffer then protect it with some ShineSeal or equivalent type product.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/brand/shineseal/product-line/shineseal-master-kits?autoview=SKU
I’m using this kit right now as I restore all my stainless and aluminum trim. Really easy to apply and acts kinda like an anodize coating.
I think it’s one of those things you have to battle - unless you are willing to get crazy and seal it forever in a clear powder coat ( I don’t think it looks as good IMHO…but it lets me be lazy)
Shine Seal is too expensive for this (small) need! If it was during my resto, well that would be a different story.
Going to give this a try (should have thought to check before now):
$5.99 at Advance Auto (Did I mention I LOVE Advance Auto?)
Lot of interesting ideas, products and info in the thread both here and “over there”. Thanks everyone!
Back when AlphaCat was on the road, and with it’s polished aluminum slot wheels, I had to work at this problem constantly! The spray-on ‘aluminum wheel cleaner’ would clean the wheels, but leave them dull, so out comes the Simichrome or Mothers polish and hours of work… At least now they have those ‘power-ball’ things… Next time, when it comes back on the road, I’m gonna spray paint with clear wheel paint!!!
Mother’s worked well! Just the ticket and cheap too (read on).
You KNOW I love a bargain, when I went in to buy it for some reason I thought to bring a printout of the online page from the Advance website. Sure enough, the local store was selling it for $1 more. I asked if they could honor the web price and they told me no! So, not one to be beat out of a buck, I went home, used a 20% off no minimum order coupon (P20 good through the end of January IIRC) and ordered online to pickup in store and picked it up the next morning on my way into work (so no additional trip wasting the savings in fuel!). The store is in a 3% tax zone, total $4.96 out the door! Did I mention I like a bargain?
So Mother’s good, Advance online ordering with coupon, good too!