Tool Box

[rainman15]

My old tool box is extremely dull and nasty looking, but I've already blown my budget on my body work so I don't want to spring the extra cash for a new one.  Anyone have recommendations on how to make this old aluminum box look like new again? 

[Cody1018]

If its an aluminum diamond plate tool box, your local Lowes should sell some polish for it.

[756man]

Sandblast it, then powdercoat it black.

[rainman15]

If its an aluminum diamond plate tool box, your local Lowes should sell some polish for it.

Yea its aluminum diamond plated, just faded and oxidized really bad.  I'm not going to blast and powder coat because it would cost more than just buying a new box. It would look cool though... Thanks for the help guys.

[VileZambonie]

Paint it with rustoleum.

[1980c10]

stop at a truck stop or local truck shop and look for an acid based cleaner. then buff to a shine. I've cleaned aluminum rims that looked destroyed by sanding and polishing untill they looked new. If all else fails ask a truck driver who has a lot of shiny aluminum, if you have the time you can make it look new again.

[Canadian 4X4]

Coming from a truck Drivers son who makes all his aluminum shiny, There is a polish called Busch, like the beer its in a black bottle and the polish is pink, this is the best polish we have found so far. apply with a terry towel and buff off with a sander/polisher with terry cloth bonnet, could be a challenge with the diamond plate, with a terry towel bonnet, they have wool pads I think they might hold up a little better than the terry cloth.

Polish
http://www.buschshineproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=3

there is also an acid cleaner that will also make the aluminum almost white, I cant remember what its called I will look when I am at the shop tomorrow

[1980c10]

After the acid canadian 4x4 mentions you can use a fine grade steel wool to start and polish your way out of scratches with a high cut polish then medium and low if the polish doesn't work on it's own. The acid is the best way to start it will clean it better than anything. Then you need to smooth it out and bring the shine back.

[Canadian 4X4]

I forgot to look at the jug ill text my dad.

He just called me he said it is called non etching acid I will have to take a look at the jug to see if there is another name

[1980c10]

that's the stuff just forgots its name, fyi it's also used to clean aluminum concrete forms