Need Help: Hazy Polished Aluminum

[GTOGIRL3000]

So after trying about 4 different metal polishes, my polished aluminum intake manifold just wont go back to its original luster! I`ve tried Meg`s NTX polish, Mothers, semi chrome & wadding polish and nothing is fixing the haze. :hairpull

I`ve been using these products by hand, is there something I`m missing here? Willing to try just about anything, open to all suggestions.



Sorry I don`t have pics b/c the car is still in storage hibernating from the horrid chicago winter that just wont seem to give! :(



:help:

[brwill2005]

Make sure the polishes you are using are made for Aluminum. Aluminum is much softer than chrome. A dedicated Chrome polish will most likely scratch Aluminum. Check out English Custom Polishes and One Grand metal polishes.

[BigJimZ28]

a mothers power ball and/or some polishing wheels/ drill tips

will do a much better job they what you can do by hand

[imported_JoshVette]

Is it clearcoated??



I know they clearcoat a lot of those polished things.

[GTOGIRL3000]

Make sure the polishes you are using are made for Aluminum. Aluminum is much softer than chrome. A dedicated Chrome polish will most likely scratch Aluminum. Check out English Custom Polishes and One Grand metal polishes.

All the products I`ve used are aluminum friendly.


a mothers power ball and/or some polishing wheels/ drill tips

will do a much better job they what you can do by hand

Thanks Jim, I`ll have to those things out.


Is it clearcoated??



I know they clearcoat a lot of those polished things.

Nope, no clear on this one.

[BigJimZ28]

also check this out :

Eastwood Company: Auto Tools, Body Repair, Classic Car Restoration, House of Kolor Paint, Powder Coating (http://www.eastwoodco.com/jump.jsp?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=432)



good products and info

[OGauge4Me]

You may also want to look at this site. I have bought a lot of items from them and they have great customer service.



Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc. (http://www.caswellplating.com/index.html)

[3Dog]

You may also want to look at this site. I have bought a lot of items from them and they have great customer service.



Plating Kits Electroplating Kits Aluminum Anodizing Kits Powder Coating Systems Metal Polishing And Buffing Supplies - Caswell Inc. (http://www.caswellplating.com/index.html)

Caswell also has a forum to ask specific questions.

[BigJimZ28]

Caswell also has a forum to ask specific questions.



so does Eastwood:woot:

[GTOGIRL3000]

This looks like it would work for me!



Caswell Inc. - Aluminum & Copper Alloy Polishing Kit (http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/alpolkit.htm#)

[BigJimZ28]

This looks like it would work for me!



Caswell Inc. - Aluminum & Copper Alloy Polishing Kit (http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/alpolkit.htm#)





looks good give it a try

then post some berfore & after pics so everybpody can see how good it worked

good luck:2thumbs:

[firegate]

Make sure you`re fully breaking down the polish as well if you`re using it by hand. If you`re not working it long enough, it could result in hazing.

[OGauge4Me]

GTOGirl3000 do you have a stand mounted buffer or will you be using a drill? The reason i ask is that you should keep the RPM`s between 500 to 1000. I have an old buffer, belt driven, and it works really well for whatever I want to buff.

[budman3]

Make sure you`re fully breaking down the polish as well if you`re using it by hand. If you`re not working it long enough, it could result in hazing.



The key to aluminum is heat. You can polish all day long with any metal polish you want and you may not get the results desired if your doing it by hand. You`ll need some type of machine to heat the metal up while polishing to get your desired results.

[velobard]

You could always try the moonshine approach. I found this the other day while I was browsing around. Not sure whether to laugh, run the other way, or hail it as a miracle cure.

11151. MOONSHINE ALUMINUM POLISH (VERY STRONG) (http://www.finishing.com/111/51.shtml)