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General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: ARaymond67 on April 26, 2016, 02:57:02 pm

Title: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: ARaymond67 on April 26, 2016, 02:57:02 pm
'85 C10 2WD Longbed. Bought a set of old/older aftermarket aluminum mags, prev owner had them sitting on his '77 TransAm while he did resto. Have some staining, discoloration. Not looking to make them shiny and new but I was wondering if anyone had something they used that gives the aluminum a deep cleaning, tried Macguier's aluminum wheel cleaner, took off some of the surface stuff but didn't do what I was looking for. Can post pics later if needed. I would also be using whatever is suggested to clean up an old Holley Contender intake that I'm going to use on the 350 I'm building for the truck. Thanks in advance for any help.
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: bd on April 26, 2016, 03:20:04 pm
Bar Keepers Friend (https://www.barkeepersfriend.com/how-to-use/in-the-garage/) does a better job of initial cleanup on satin finish aluminum wheels than any other product I've tried.  Follow up with Mothers Mag & Aluminum Polish (http://www.mothers.com/02_products/05100-05101.html#&slider1=20) or Blue Magic Polish (http://bluemagicusa.com/index.php/blue_magic/products/210/blue_magic_metal_polish_cream_jar/), etc and a Power Ball (http://www.mothers.com/02_products/05140.html#&slider1=3).
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: VileZambonie on April 26, 2016, 03:39:50 pm
I have my own local vendor I use but it appears this one is sold online. Do not use it on a polished aluminum but oxidized aluminum this stuff is great. It's acid so be careful.

http://www.detailsupplyoutlet.com/item.htm?item_num=5
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: ARaymond67 on April 26, 2016, 04:45:54 pm
VileZambonie, that one says in the description not to use for aluminum, have you done so with no negative results?

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Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: VileZambonie on April 26, 2016, 05:43:40 pm
You cut it with water and apply it with a spray bottle, then rinse. Repeat until you get the desired results. You may need to use some light abrasive to remove heavy spots. I do not use that particular brand but this is the one I use. Not sure if they sell online http://www.carproducts.biz/catalog/detail_warehouse/detail/wheel_cleaners/car-130_wire_wheel_and_chrome_cleaner_2.html
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: roundhouse on April 26, 2016, 10:04:43 pm
We just bought some old mags too
Thanks for the info (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160427/a6862f29f0be34a6683c80c1ede4ec0d.jpg)


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Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: Rattler12 on April 27, 2016, 08:56:46 am
How are you going to fit TransAm  5 on 4 3/4 wheels on a 5 on 5 C-10 ?
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: VileZambonie on April 27, 2016, 12:03:58 pm
We just bought some old mags too
Thanks for the info (http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160427/a6862f29f0be34a6683c80c1ede4ec0d.jpg)


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My slots looked a LOT worse than those. All I did was spray them and rinse them and they look great!

http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=7339.0
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: fitz on April 27, 2016, 08:05:54 pm
Roundhouse, I love the rims.
Are those 16.5" rims?
I've collected 5 sets of 8 lug 16.5" aluminum slotted rims.
Unfortunately the only new 16.5" tires I can find are Super Swampers.
Title: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: roundhouse on April 28, 2016, 07:18:29 am
Roundhouse, I love the rims.
Are those 16.5" rims?
I've collected 5 sets of 8 lug 16.5" aluminum slotted rims.
Unfortunately the only new 16.5" tires I can find are Super Swampers.
These are 15"

Never seen 8 lug 15s before

Gotta grind a tiny bit from the backing plate around the caliper

And these wheels had stick on weights inside , I have no idea what vehicle they were on unless it had drum brakes all around

Although I guess they could be fill & drill but if so they did a good job with it

The best source of 16.5s now is surplus 37" humvee tires

And since the army is phasing out the humvees those will dry up in a few more years

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160428/4fd371d6bb9f1451e601af69fa672a43.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160428/457cb3dd796ee7555b5b5d1395477e07.jpg)
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: VileZambonie on April 28, 2016, 08:15:21 am
I suggest email bombing BFG requesting them to bring them back.

https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/contact-us.page
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: fitz on April 28, 2016, 09:34:35 am
Roundhouse, those must be some rare rims. I've never seen 15" 8 lug slots before.

Vile, I just sent BFG an email.
Title: Re: Cleaning Aluminum
Post by: VileZambonie on April 28, 2016, 01:07:51 pm
Roundhouse, those must be some rare rims. I've never seen 15" 8 lug slots before.

Vile, I just sent BFG an email.

Good. If they get harassed enough, maybe they'll bring them back. All of the best wheels were 16.5"s for 8 lug. About 5 years ago, a guy in my town had a set of 8 lug 15" wheels and he was trying to sell them to me. He kept going on about how rare they were and at that time I didn't care as the 16.5" was readily available.... If I had known, I would have definitely bought them!