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Former ChatMaster ChatMaster - 5,000
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OP
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I cleaned all of the old paint off of my firewall tag. Then used some polish on it. But it still has some small imperfections due to aluminum oxidation. Does anyone have a secret on how to get the aluminum shine back? 
Bill Barker
Previous VCCA CHAT Administrator
(VCCA Member: 9802)
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I've had good success with aluminum by going gradually from coarse to finer to finest abrasives and using a few different metal polishes. Something as thin as a tag, you'll likely be limited to a few different coarse-ness of steel wool or very, very fine sandpaper with liberal amounts of polish. Seal with a clearcoat when done to keep it from oxidizing again.
Do some googling on aluminum polishing as well...
1938 Canadian Pontiac Business Coupe (aka a 1938 Chevy Coupe with Pontiac shaped front sheet metal - almost all Chevy!)
1975 4-speed L82 Vette
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Former ChatMaster ChatMaster - 5,000
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Thanks... I ended up using Brasso and it shined up really nice.
Also used a tiny wire wheel on my Dremel. When done, I clear-coated it.
--Bill B
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Coke does a nice job of cleaning oxidation. Don't try Pepsi or Diet Coke, they won't work. Coke and 0000 Fine Steel wool will do wonders. Soak in a plastic dish, Leave it soak until the bubbles stop. Been using this method for a long time with success each time.
Member 45+ years, been around since the beginning !
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That is about the only thing "Coke" is good for.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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you otta remember "Thangs go better with COKE!"
Life's a long winding trail, love Jesus and ride a good horse!
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VCCA Son - Wondering if this would work on something bigger, like a radiator shell? I'm afraid if I let it soak in a tub of coke overnight it might disappear. Any thoughts?
Roger
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Heavy trucks have aluminum wheels and fuel tanks and truck stops and dealers will have several products for cleaning and polishing aluminum.
Read the directions carefully as some are very agressive.
Steve D
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Shirley, errrr Roger, you can't be serious!!??!! Just a little testimont to the originator of the line. Leslie Nielsen, who passed a few days ago @ age 84.
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Hey Bill - I was serious and don't call me Shirley!
Don't see why it wouldn't stop the oxidation on a grander scale. Guess I will have to try it and see what happens.
Roger
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"....and don't call me surely...." What a riot!!!   ROFLMFAO!!! PS: Hope you find 2 litre bottles of Coke on big sale at the grocery store....
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I have nexer left anything soaking in Coke overnight. I would test on something smaller and less critical first. I have noticed that there is not much change after the fizzing stops. I have even tried stirring the liquid a little with no addition fizzing being created. From this I determined the scid must have been used up and it would no longer do any work. Let us know if you try the radiator.
PS. you better stock up at the Christmas sales on Coke !
Member 45+ years, been around since the beginning !
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The fizz in Coke is the dreaded greenhouse gas carbon dioxide escaping to the atmosphere. When dissolved in water it forms carbonic acid, a very weak acid. Once the CO2 is gone then so is the acid. Coke also contains a few other ingredients, apparently one or more assist with the cleaning of aluminum. That is particularly true if Diet Coke and Pepsi don't work. Causes one to wonder if that is the stuff that also dissolved the tooth in Junior High science class.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Ok FortitudeBill, enuff with the name callin' and leave my handle be. Roger
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Late getting in on this but I have used Vinegar, it is slightly acidic and works well on steel, used it on a bumer jack shaft that came out like new. Also filled the block on the 52 with it and let it set for two days, flushed a bunch of really rottent looking stuff out of the block and then neutralized it with baking soda. 
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Here are my tips for polishing aluminum and stainless Polishing aluminum and stainless
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Excellent article on stainless and aluminum polishing. Began using those techniques for over 20 years ago. It takes some time but what else are you doing while watching the "idiot box"? Don't tell me you are concentrating on that drivel either.
How Sweet the roar of a Chevy four!
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Very interesting. I have to do all the trim on my '49. I got two new pieces of door trim with the car so I'm going to practive on the two poor ones. Also have a daughter-in-law that used to do that type of work and she said she'd come over and give me a hand.
Widman, I sure enjoy your site. Been reading the progress on your Corvair and watching the video's. Interesting country. Also read in the paper you guy's get to retire at 58 now. Wow. Can't beat that.
I think I'm a fairly wise person because I'm smart enough to realise I'm not too bright.
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Widman, You should send some of these articles in to the g&d magazine. they are always looking for informative Pieces to print. 
p.k.
1956 BEL AIR 2 DOOR HARDTOP
I've spent most of my money on Booze,Women and mechanical things. The rest I just Wasted........
Remember , I'm not Always Right. But I'm Never Wrong !
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