It's a lot of work, and much the same procedure's as restoring SS...Give this a look see...

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffs/buffman.htm

 

Thank youi Blackhorse, That article pretty much says it all

 

Mothers & that nasty stuff called "elbow grease."

 

Real good chance that white stuff is anodize, if it is you must remove it before you can do anything. Liquid Plumber will remove it but it takes time. Then you can start polishing first with scothbrite or some light abrasive working down till your buffing like shown above.

 

If they are really bad, you can get a product from tractor trailer suppliers that is used to clean aluminum trailers and wheels. It contains phosphoric acid along with a strong detergent. It works well but leaves them milky looking. Then, use the elbow grease and the Mothers polish.

 

ALCOA has a really good, three step system. You can get them to come out looking brand new.
One tip I will share with you. Sprinkle all-purpose flour on the black residue that is left after final polishing and it will clean up much easier, and actually shinier than if not used!:anim_25:

 

I've never heard of this, why does it work? By the way, I've found a product that I like better than Mother's - Master Formula. They have a polish and a sealer that helps when you have the usual sticky stuff. The sealer seems to keep the shine longer. They have a website that is kind of infomercial-ly but the stuff works well. I use it on all my shiney parts.

 

I bought a set of Americn racing Torque thrust II's last year from a local tire shop. When he mounted them he gave me a large tube of aluminum mag wheel cleaner and polish. It's that pink stuff that smells like bubble gum I assume it's the same as Semi-chrome polish. He told me to touch up the wheels every year and they would look like new forever. he never mentioned anything about these wheels being clear coated and after a few applications of the cleaner I can say they definately are not.

This spring I am planning on picking up the Mothers Powerball polishing tool that Chip Foose is always promoting on the Speed Channel. It looks like it makes short work of polishing aluminum wheels.

Don

 

I use Eagle One "ETCHING" mag wheel cleaner and scrub with green scotchbrite pads. It etches the aluminum to a semi-satin finish, then you would have to polish them back to a shine if that's what you want.

 

Sorry guys, my question was about the all purpose flour!! What is the purpose of sprinkling that on there???

By the way Wraplock, I highly reccomend the Mother's Powercone. It gets into areas that the ball can't. Just be careful that you don't have any sharp edges - in the end it is just a sponge.

 

Thanks shawn, I typed Powerball but I did intend to buy the new cone.

Don

 

I'd like to hear more about the flour trick too.
Although, I'm gluten intolerant, so I'd have to wear gloves and a mask.

 

I think the flour helps with the streaking that is usually left after polishing. It helps to remove the greasy effect that you can continue to chase without the flour.

 

I have a method I used to use on polishing rice rockets to harleys to rims but it does take a while but the outcome is worth it since it won't blled through and it will stay shining even after rain. Send me a PM if you would like some more on it.