Alu Engine parts cleaning

[Dod]

So I'm building an XE and I wanna have it tidy looking. Its in pieces at the minute but the alloy is manky. Any suggestions on how to shine it up and make it a little more presentable?

[mowgli]

erm, alloy wheel cleaning products????

[Dod]

Hmmmm, and this will take off the years of oil, mud and all sorts of crap and leave a good shine??

[burgo]

mr muscle oven cleaner :thumb:

[stevie-p]

as per usuall wd-40 lol
thats what i did mine in

[Benn]

A good steam clean.

[Dod]

WD40 desolves the **** on the head, and a steam clean does the rest, but what about having a decent shine on it, I've tried Steel wool but eventually it tarnishes. Any good polishes or anything recomended?

Also, has anyone ever laquered their Alloy parts?

[Benn]

A wire bush end on a drill will make them shiner but be carefull.

If not you'll need to get sanding, depending on what the finish is like start at 180, then 320, 800, 1000 1200 then get a good metal polish, or a mop wheel and polishing soap.

Lacquaring polished stuff is hard, as normal lacquar will dull the first and can alot of times flake off over time.
There are specials lacquars they adear to polished metals, but they are about 50£ for 1/2 a lt and you need proper spray gear to paint it.
And if you geta chip it water will get under it and start to oxerdise(sp?) it you'll have to sand it off and start again.

[Dod]

Nice one so, cheers people.

[Benn]

See edit.

[Dod]

Got ya mate, cheers.

[gordo]

jizer it a industrial machine cleaner. just brush on and rinse off. its excellent.

[Dod]

lol

I read the first word and thought, WTF!!!

Cheers mate, I'll give it a look.