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Post by murryconst2 on Jul 15, 2013 12:17:21 GMT -8
I don't want to polish But clean up a bit
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Post by universalexports on Jul 15, 2013 14:22:20 GMT -8
the best thing I have found is steel wool and soap and water or vinegar. I've heard vinegar works better. 0000 steel wool makes short work of it, give it a try.
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bricklayer
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Post by bricklayer on Jul 17, 2013 9:20:18 GMT -8
I used a wire wheel in my drill using very little pressure to remove the heavy tarnish, then hand rubbed them with medium steel wool to finish. I was extremely happy with the results.
Ben
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pathfinder3081
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Post by pathfinder3081 on Jul 17, 2013 12:24:12 GMT -8
Turpinetine and steel wool. Before this discovery I use a fairly fine steel brisel brush on my drill one time when my rear window was out. UGH! I was not happy with the results. However, different brushes might give you better results like those from Bricklayer. If I ever take it out again I am going to have to spend a couple of hours with the steel wool on it. Ross turned me onto the Steel Wool proccess. Man, it works like a charm. Your hand might get a cramp or two, but you can take the finish to almost mirror. I wipe it down with some hot soapy water when I done and BAM!!! It's sweet.
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Post by murryconst2 on Jul 18, 2013 8:14:33 GMT -8
Thanks for tips
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pathfinder3081
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Post by pathfinder3081 on Jul 18, 2013 13:07:06 GMT -8
Hi pathfinder.. Do you start with one grade and progress to sayy OOOO steel wool? Getting ready to do mine. Thanks!! THE LAST GO ROUND I HAD PICKED UP A "PACK OF THREE" IN THE AUTO ZONE. IT WAS JUST LISTED " HEAVY, MEDIUM AND FINE" ALL IN ONE PACK. I WAS LOOKING FOR THE THE DOUBLE "O" DESIGNATION BUT COULD NOT FIND THEM. I WOULD SAY I STARTED WITH A "MEDIUM" AND FINISH OF WITH A "FINE" GRADE. I USED THE HEAVIER GRAD ON PROBLEM STAINS OR ROUGH SPOTS. YOU CAN'T REALLY DAMAGE THE FINISH, JUST START SLOW AND WORK UP.. GOOD LUCK, I REALLY THINK THAT YOU WILL BE PLEASE WITH THE RESULTS.
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61 Shasta
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Post by 61 Shasta on Jul 18, 2013 20:31:23 GMT -8
I go along with the steel wool suggestions. I would add though that if you have any paint or other residue on them, give them a good cleaning with a paint stripper. This will get the tough stuff out of the way then all the steel wool has an easier job and your hand and fingers will thank you. I used a polishing compound on mine as I was looking for a polished finish but since you don't want that I really think the combination of paint stripper and steel wool will do the trick. I am not a fan of the wire brush in the drill for this application. It creates some other problems with streaking and blackening of the aluminum. Here is a couple of pictures from my project using the above technique:
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saphie113
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Post by saphie113 on Jul 18, 2013 20:40:55 GMT -8
Okay, pardon the silly newbie question, but can I use the steel wool on the wings, too? And what can I use on the door handle? I saw the post about rechroming them, but that's kind of a crowning moment kind of thing, I'm just trying to do stuff here and there while I focus most of my funds towards more critical issues like tires, etc. What can a girl without a bunch of tools at her disposal do to make the wings, windows and door handle look good until the day I have all critical stuff done and can do stuff like rechroming?
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Post by vikx on Jul 18, 2013 21:16:57 GMT -8
Another great cleaner is Mag wheel Cleaner. It's a mild acid (like vinegar only stronger)and works very well to prepare the aluminum for further work. I like the Turtlewax brand but most will do.
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saphie113
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Post by saphie113 on Jul 19, 2013 4:46:23 GMT -8
Another great cleaner is Mag wheel Cleaner. It's a mild acid (like vinegar only stronger)and works very well to prepare the aluminum for further work. I like the Turtlewax brand but most will do. Are the wings aluminum? Could I use this on them as well? Our wings look really sad, but they'll look ridiculous perfectly polished while the rest of the trailer still shows her age.
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Post by vikx on Jul 19, 2013 9:53:04 GMT -8
I believe the wings are aluminum. Important with the wheel cleaner: follow the instructions! If left on too long or allowed to dry, it can streak. Good stuff for the prelim clean; I use it on everything aluminum. Also, I noticed they are making different wheel cleaners now. I use the stronger Mag Wheel cleaner.
For really cruddly trim, use the wheel cleaner and hand wire brush while it's still wet. Once it's clean, rinse well with water. Sanding the aluminum with 320 will remove the brush marks and rust spots. (220 if it's really bad, then 320) Steel wool in lesser coarseness as you go...
Stop at any point where you're happy with the "look" Our eyebrows are pretty shiny, the windows a little less so. The edge trim has a brushed look and is easier to maintain that way.
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saphie113
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Post by saphie113 on Jul 19, 2013 15:02:39 GMT -8
Thank you, that was great info.
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Post by wisconsinjoe on Jul 21, 2013 19:32:44 GMT -8
We chucked a 3M wheel (the red "fine"one for about $8) into an electric drill, removed the top and bottom screws (leaving the side ones until their turn), masked off the aluminum walls and window glass, and just went at it until the pits in the frames got cleaned up. Not a mirror finish, but real clean looking, and much faster than hand rubbing steel wool. Although it did need some of that hand work in the hard to reach places. Afterwards, replaced the screws with new stainless steel square drive ones from McFeeleys online.
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saphie113
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Post by saphie113 on Jul 22, 2013 8:08:18 GMT -8
FYI, the Internet says that a good way to clean chrome is with either aluminum foil squares and water, or aluminum foil wads and Coke. (Regular, not diet.) It looks like it was on Myth Busters. But the Internet also says that the best way to clean up my vintage paint by number paintings is with the inside of a loaf of sourdough bread so...
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keri
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Post by keri on Jul 22, 2013 15:49:33 GMT -8
I bought some 0000 steel wool at Lowe's today and started working on one of the brows. It works GREAT! Mine aren't painted, just dirty and a little stained, and with just the steel wool I was able to easily get all the gunk off and make them fairly shiny! It's not a mirror finish but I really like how they look! Since my trailer isn't painted I'm wondering if I can just rub the whole thing with steel wool now.....
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