aluminum rust?
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
aluminum rust?
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?
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,458
Likes: 722
From: Calgary Canada
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.
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
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.
Postmaster
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,628
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Canada
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
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
tony
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 9
From: midwest
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
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.
