i have a cutaway van and removed some crap from the aluminum corner post and there is terrible rust/oxidation...i dont want to scrape it off bc it will probably scratch it up alot...can anyone recommend something to clean it off?

 

If it's actually aluminum then it's not going to rust. Unless you mean it has rust stains on it from steel near it rusting.

In either case, one of the best ways to remove surface rust if grinding isn't an option is chemically. CLR, Lime-a-way and other household descaling cleaners work pretty well for this. Be cautious on paint, as it may harm the finish.

 

If its true aluminium try some naval wool. Its like scrap wool and fine fine steel wool coated in cleaner/polisher. My dad has a huge tin of it and uses it on bumpers,wheels, dfoor handles. Basically any of the bright work on his vehicles and boats. I have no idea where he got it or if you even can. He always calls it naval wool so I don't know if that is the real name or not.

 

100% aluminum so is it safe to say real bad oxidation...naval wools sounds like sos pads but i know that is not fine enough and would damage the finish

 

I must be missing something; is the finish not already damaged by the oxidation. In 12 years of working at a chrome shop, I know that grinding/sanding/polishing/buffing is the only way to get rid of aluminum cancer.

 

i was hoping if i could somehow dissolve the oxidation than i wouldnt have to polish/buff the entire post...sounds like the damage is done

 

the damage is already done if it is oxidizing. once you get the white junk off there is prob gonna be small pits all over so sanding and then polishing is your best bet anyways. and trust me that most chemicals wont take all of it offand it will be back way before you know it.

tony

 

thanks for the replies

 

Walmart sells the closest thing to naval wool I have seen yet. Its called never dull, it's in a silver can by the chrome polish and waxes. Not quite the same but the closest I have ever seen that you can readily buy today.