Cleaning TA rear end girdle/cover?

[Boston GN]

My ta rear cover has a bit of oxidation on it. What is the best product to use to bring that back to looking new?

 

[ttaowner]

Glass bead it

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Alum wheel cleaner comes to mind>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[Heisenberg]

Eagle 1 Alum Mag Wheel Cleaner to be exact
Same stuff we use on the Vector style wheels
Acidic though
Work quickly with it.

 

[Pronto]

Glass beading changes the surface look and will leave a fine grit that is really hard to clean off. I use glass beads at work and to really clean it off a surface we ultrasonic it. The amount left behind is amazing even after rinsing off with water. I saw a product called Rust Aid Outdoor used and it seemed to do a nice job and it's cheap.

 

[Heisenberg]

Glass beading changes the surface look and will leave a fine grit that is really hard to clean off. I use glass beads at work and to really clean it off a surface we ultrasonic it. The amount left behind is amazing even after rinsing off with water. I saw a product called Rust Aid Outdoor used and it seemed to do a nice job and it's cheap.

Interesting.
Didn't know that.

I'm going to have some Vector wheels soda blasted while the same guy is doing my fenders and hood.
That finish seems to be very smooth, and not nearly as rough as sand.
Since I'm not planning on painting, I don't think I have ot do anything to neutralize the soda on the aluminum - but I better check.

 

[Pronto]

Glass beads will leave a sheen to the surface, aluminum oxide will be duller. We use fine grit alo2; 45 micron and 100 micron at work as well as glass bead. Glass bead is nasty if you get it under foot. It's like walking on tiny marbles. I've never used soda but I understand it breaks down when it hits the surface to smaller bits. Maybe it's easier to clean off? I'm sure they use much larger grit for cleaning off the cast aluminum at the foundry. I'd try the liquid first since it's useful for other things and cheap. If you don't get the result you want then Harbor Freight sells a small hand held blaster. I would test it on a small area first. The blasting media will get everywhere and I mean everywhere. After, clean all surfaces with a strong blast of water like a pressure washer or car wash. If the grit stays on the inside surface bad things will happen.

 

[jlat]

hello people; What ever you do to clean your cover it is alum. and it will oxidize again. There is a clear coating that will make it last longer but it might turn a yellowish color. You might even just hit it lightly with a wire brush or scotch bright every now and then while it's on the car to save you from taking it off.
have fun
IBBY

 

[DavidM]

Treat the Aluminum cover as you would bare Aluminum wheels.

Clean, polish and then use either a Metal sealant or an Aluminum wax to protect it from oxidation.

Here's a very general step by step.

http://www.autogeek.net/how-to-clean-aluminum-wheels.html


Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[Pronto]

Raw aluminum surfaces will need to treated differently than smooth polished or clear coated aluminum. Typically a mild acid is used. Not what you would use on clear coated rims.

 

[DavidM]

Raw aluminum surfaces will need to treated differently than smooth polished or clear coated aluminum. Typically a mild acid is used. Not what you would use on clear coated rims.

The link I posted above is for non clear coated wheels. Whatever the choice of cleaning method, a metal sealent or aluminum wax can be applied to lay a barrier agaisnt oxidation. Typically this barrier can last 3-6 months and a new layer will have to be applied.

Posted from the TurboBuick.Com mobile app

 

[coach]

I had my cover clear powder coated before I installed it. 4 years now and wipes off with a rag.

 

[Pronto]

I had my cover clear powder coated before I installed it. 4 years now and wipes off with a rag.

Best way to deal with raw cast aluminum.