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?
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.
Don't use oven cleaner. It will remove anodization.
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?
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.
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
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
UltraDork
11/24/16 10:08 a.m.
Hose off with acetone and paint after doing the alignment.
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!