Gimp
Gimp GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
11/23/16 10:02 a.m.

I've had some control arms on my project for a good, um, 8 years (Jesus, I need to get this car done). They used to be pretty.

In those 8 years, even without being driven on, they look a little more drab.

Is there a way to shine these up that doesn't involve stripping the anodizing?

BrokenYugo
BrokenYugo UltimaDork
11/23/16 11:26 a.m.

Assuming that's steel, that's not anodizing, it's either zinc dichromate or cadmium (careful, toxic, especially the dust) plating. Should polish up either way.

wvumtnbkr
wvumtnbkr GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
11/23/16 11:31 a.m.

Don't use oven cleaner. It will remove anodization.

Gimp
Gimp GRM+ Memberand SuperDork
11/23/16 11:32 a.m.
BrokenYugo wrote: Assuming that's steel, that's not anodizing, it's either zinc dichromate or cadmium (careful, toxic, especially the dust) plating. Should polish up either way.

I don't have them in front of me, but I believe they are aluminum. I have tried to clean them up with degreaser in the sink, but it didn't change anything. Would a metal polish do it, or is that too abrasive?

stuart in mn
stuart in mn UltimaDork
11/23/16 3:05 p.m.

If they are anodized aluminum, there's not much you can do. Metal polish (Flitz, Simichrome, etc.) may help a little but chances are the only real way would be to strip the anodizing off and start over.

Tyler H
Tyler H GRM+ Memberand UltraDork
11/23/16 3:09 p.m.

You won't be able to see them, once the car has a wheel on it and is on the ground. They'll look a lot better in motion.

Chas_H
Chas_H Reader
11/23/16 4:24 p.m.

The parts are not aluminum; they are plated steel. Many chemicals will remove that plating exposing the steel which will quickly rust. Even polishing can remove the plating, which is quite thin. I suggest wiping the parts with a soft rag wetted with WD-40. As already posted, when the wheels are on, you ain't gonna see it. Besides, this is a race car, right? Not a museum piece.

44Dwarf
44Dwarf UltraDork
11/24/16 10:08 a.m.

Hose off with acetone and paint after doing the alignment.

bentwrench
bentwrench Dork
11/24/16 10:16 a.m.

Pledge furniture polish would have prevented that.

That finish is not a "sealed" finish and will stain and discolor.

It is a roughly 10 year rust preventative, you need to ramp up the progress on your build!

sesto elemento
sesto elemento SuperDork
11/24/16 10:26 a.m.

Id use wd on those

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