I need a little more horsepower...

[sam z]

Guys,
Picked up a set of ET IV slot mags, very pleased with them. They are cleaning up ok, but I have one that is being
a SOB. Little "black marks" on it that I've been trying to bust off with no luck.

I wet sanded with 220 grit paper, it helped, but they are still too prominent.

I was thinking of getting a few scotch brights that attach to the drill but if
you have any better ideas share them.

FYI: They were scrubbed with Scotch brights w/polish, sanded with 400, 320 and then
220, still the spots remain. They aren't hideous, but they have to go.

 

[sixgunrunner68]

Sorry to say Sam, but if they're pitted, there really is no way you're going to get it out. I'll put it to you this way, if you can feel it with your finger nail, it's too deep for any polishing tecnique. You'd have to remove material in order to level it off, which isn't feasible in this case. I have the same issue with mine. If you get up close and personal you can see the flaws. It's the nature of the beast with aluminum, unless you maintain it, oxidation takes it's toll rapidly. :cents:

 

[george68hemirr]

Guys,
Picked up a set of ET IV slot mags, very pleased with them. They are cleaning up ok, but I have one that is being
a SOB. Little "black marks" on it that I've been trying to bust off with no luck.

I wet sanded with 220 grit paper, it helped, but they are still too prominent.

I was thinking of getting a few scotch brights that attach to the drill but if
you have any better ideas share them.

FYI: They were scrubbed with Scotch brights w/polish, sanded with 400, 320 and then
220, still the spots remain. They aren't hideous, but they have to go.

sam.....while sanding it sould be the other way around using 220/320/400/600/800/1000/1500/2000/2500 then polish and like marty said if you can catch it with your fingernail you would have to take it down......all my aluminum on my hemi... valve covers/tunnelram/water pump/valley pan/motor plate i wet sanded / polished then did the zoops[100 per ounce] to keep it nice....looks like chrome

 

[sam z]

No, they don't catch a finger nail. Obviously caused from neglect, but doesn't
strike me as anything that can't be polished out.

George, I used the grades in the wrong order simply because I wanted to
use the least aggressive paper first. Made some headway but not nearly
as good as I'd like.

I saw a product advertised on the net call "flitz" alum polish, the guy is
out of Florida. Looks feasible, I dunno we'll see.

 

[sixgunrunner68]

I've used Flitz, it's good, but I'm not sure it will solve your issue though. Try to obtain a sample to try it first if you can.. Just note though, if the only positive results you're seeing is by using abrasives it's sounds obvious that the pits are deep and you're just removing metal. :cents:

 

[george68hemirr]

for polishing aluminum i use mothers billit aluminum polish.....its the best and i have tried them all.....

 

[sam z]

Car enthusiast I work with has a pneumatic sander that he used on his wheels
previously. He told me to let him have it so he could give it a shot. We'll
see what happens.

 

[george68hemirr]

Car enthusiast I work with has a pneumatic sander that he used on his wheels
previously. He told me to let him have it so he could give it a shot. We'll
see what happens.

hopefully he doesnt make it worse

 

[sixgunrunner68]

Car enthusiast I work with has a pneumatic sander that he used on his wheels
previously. He told me to let him have it so he could give it a shot. We'll
see what happens.

hopefully he doesnt make it worse

x2
Careful :hack:

 

[sam z]

Yeah guys, I appreciate your concern. All I can go by is that he has
performed the same surgery on the wheels of his car and they turned
out beautifully.

 

[sixgunrunner68]

If it works out, which I hope it does, get the details on the procedure. I'm curious.

 

[sam z]

I just put the wheel in the back of my everyday chariot (Prius). Got a good look at them
again. They really aren't pitted, I think it is just stubborn surface corrosion from lack
of use / neglect.

 

[ACME A12]

I have some "stoner mags" (gotta love that one - thanks, Chris!) that need similar attention. Like Marty said, I'm very interested in this outcome... :yesnod:

Good luck, Sam! :cheers:

 

[sixgunrunner68]