Hot Rods Cleaning Aluminum Engine Accessory

I have an engine accessory (compressor) that's aluminum. I didn't clear coat it and now it has dulled quite a bit. Has anyone polished something like this back to luster? If so, what methods did you use?

Thanks,

 

Marvel Mystery Oil and a green scotchbrite.

 

do you want it to shine, or have luster?

Might help to see a picture of the compressor...if it was polished, then you probably don't want to use scotchbrite on it.

 

This is what I use on aluminum.

https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-05101-Mag-Aluminum-Polish/dp/B0009H519Y?th=1&psc=1

 

Thanks for the suggestion guys. I don't really care for it to have a super shine, but it looks oxidized and looks bad enough to be an eyesore. I didn't know to coat it before, so my hope is when I get it done to spray some clear coat on it.

 

Polishing is a double edge sword. Gotta get every surface, 80% polished looks worse than leaving it alone.

Brushed is easier, but still need consistent finish. Depending in how porous the surface is, scotchbrites may get the look you want, still need some polishing rolls to get into corners etc. Then even out the sheen.

Clearing aluminum has its own challenges. Since aluminum oxidizes in air almost immediately after you cut the surface, you need to get clear on very quickly, or youre shooting over the oxidation and it may have bonding issues. Clear in an engine bay will likely yellow over time.
Ive had best luck on brushed finish, prepping aluminum fully, mix my clear, go over every surface for a final cleaning with a light abrasive pad and panel prep, keep the surface wet with panel prep to reduce oxidation. Hook up my gun, blow the part dry, start shooting clear.

Can you split the case and have it powder coated or etch prime and paint an aluminum color. This will be the most straight forward and durable finish.

 

If you just want to clean it, aluminum wheel cleaner and some brushes, tooth brushes, scotchbrite, will get it looking better. Some mothers applied by hand and redo it evey few years is another option.

Mothers or other aluminum specific polishes do hold a shine / protect better than wax.

 

I sandblasted the fan and pulley on this alternator and used a cheap Harbor Fright wire hand brush on the aluminum.

 

Looks great Oilguy! Lippy

 

Wenol or Simichrome.

 

If it was polished Mother's aluminum polish and elbow grease will get the job done. That is what I have always used on my bikes.

 

I don't always polish shit

But when I do, Flitz on a
foam cone on my air drill.
Micro fiber towels and Mothers
by hand to finish.
Stay shiny my friends!

 

powdered Tide laundry soap to clean (takes all the buildup off the aluminum) , then polish with semichrome and a buff wheel, and finally gloss clearcoat for extra glitz, or satin for preserving the polish look.

 

Thanks guys

 

vapor honing