How to clean aluminum shut face finishers ?

[bighealeysource]

Does anyone have a suggestion on how best to clean the aluminum shut face finishers on all Healey's ? If you use something too abrasive even like 00000 steel wool it will still leave marks so is there some magic potion out there ? Mine are not too dirty but some spots have developed over the years and trying to clean them up.
Thanks,
Mike

 

[TimK]

You might try rubbing with baking soda and water.

 

[Bob_Spidell]

No, unfortunately. My dad has tried pretty much everything to clean similar, patterned aluminum sheet on his fire engine (note 'floorboards'):

https://home.comcast.net/~bspidell/wsb/html/view.cgi-photo.html--SiteID-2709239.html

and had little success.

If you find something, please let us know. We need to do the same for our BN2's shut face finishers.

 

[AUSMHLY]

Does anyone have a suggestion on how best to clean the aluminum shut face finishers on all Healey's ? If you use something too abrasive even like 00000 steel wool it will still leave marks so is there some magic potion out there ? Mine are not too dirty but some spots have developed over the years and trying to clean them up.
Thanks,
Mike

Hi Mike,

To clean it, I use De-Solv-it Contractors' Solvent. (Better than Goo-gone)
Then I use Mothers Billet Metal Polish.

Cheers,
Roger

 

[BigGreen]

+ 1 for the Billet

Maybe use a Mothers polishing cone instead of musclepower ;-)

Hans

 

[Keoke]

Mothers MAG polish wuill do it OK--Keoke

 

[bighealeysource]

Thanks y'all, knew I would get some good recommendations !
Regards,
Mike

 

[Randy Forbes]

THE BEST, and EASIEST product I have ever used on the aluminum door trims has been the Aluminum version on the rust (corrosion) removal product Naval Jelly.

The aluminum version was a pink gell that you simply brushed on, then rinsed off with water. This will leave the panels bright-white, completely free of contaminants. It's not a "polished" look, but far more natural, like brand-new aluminum. I'd think this would be especially more correct on a concours oriented car.

The problem with (products like) Billet, is than when you "polish" aluminum, you always get a (BLACK) residue and you'll leave it within the surface reliefs (texture) of anything but smooth aluminum.

I'll admit that I haven't seen the product on the shelves like I used to, but I haven't been looking for it either. Look for (the original) Naval Jelly, and if you can find that, the aluminum version should be right next to it.

Yep, still around: https://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1418919

 

[BigGreen]

... The problem with (products like) Billet, is than when you "polish" aluminum, you always get a (BLACK) residue ...

That's right, but (IMO) only because polishing is one of the steps tot take.
After the Billet clean with a degreaser and protect with a sealant. Mothers has both in the program.

Sealants like Chemical Guys JetSeal contain cleaners so they combine the two steps

Hans

 

[vagt6]

I've had great success with <span style="text-decoration: underline">3M Mag and Aluminum polish</span>. It goes on easily and wipes off easily. Removes tarnish and fading nicely. I use it on anodized metals, chrome, and aluminum. Never harms anything and leaves a protedctive coating similar to car wax.

Good stuff.