How do I remove heavy aluminum corrosion?

I have some aluminum parts that have heavy white aluminum corrosion on them. Is there something I can soak them in to break this up? I would just sand or steel wool the corrosion off, but some of the parts have aluminum badges/tags on them, and I am trying to preserve the images on the tags as best as possible. The images/paint, seems to be pretty much intact under some of the corrosion.

I tried CLR on them, didn't seem to do much. But maybe I didn't soak for long enough.

Does anybody know of a way remove this?

 

Soda blast?

 

If I have to go that route, it would be a last resort. Soda blast would probably take it off, but would also potentially ruin the badges on the parts.

 

Not sure the soda would damage the parts, was watching cable and saw a show Rick's Restorations, he had to soda blast a couple of vintage aluminum sheet parts, it worked well, it strips via chemical surface reaction. I think I would look into it.

 

Easy Off?? Though I'd for damn sure test it first.

Cosmo

 

There is a product called aluminum jelly, just like naval jelly but made for aluminum. It is an acid based gel. Look for it at your local hardware store.

Jerome

 

I'd try some Simple Green and a soft brush first, before getting too harsh. Its al I use to clean aluminum, since just about anything harsher will leave the white corrosion you're describing.

 

I soda blasted a couple of carbs and their ID tags and was pleased. However I did use a reduced pressure of about 60 lbs. Even all the grunge from an early 50's Cushman carb cleaned up well. Wash well with a 50/50 soluton of vinegar and water and blow dry.

 

Ultra sonic cleaner. Water based and makes it look like new....

 

I use DuPont 225S Aluminum cleaner, 3M red scotchbrite pads and/or a stainless steel wire brush. It's an acidic cleaner that will eat away the corrosion and leave the aluminum bright and clean. It will take some work scrubbing the corrosion out of the deep pits. Also use rubber gloves and safety glasses. The stuff will burn your skin.

 

I've heard of guys being able to dial in the soda blaster enough to remove I coat of thin film product at a time. I would find you a good blasting company and ask them.

 

You might try a place like praxair. We use to get the stuff for cleaning aluminum before welding nasty stuff very acidic I wanna say cut hydrochloric but dont qoute me comes in a spay bottle,but it worked great. worth a shot.

 

If you try the soda blast, mask off the emblems you don't want to ruin. I can tell you with certainty that soda blast will not penetrate duct tape. Also, as mentioned above, lower your preessure.

 

whats that stuff the heating and air guys clean condensers with... they spray it on and hose it off.. think its a diluted acid of some type... do a search on condenser cleaner.

 

I have use mag wheel cleaner. Get the type for wheels that do not have clear coat. It is an acid. I have used it with good results. It will leave the surface without any gloss, but it can be polished easily with all the usual methods. WX1