Any Tips for Cleaning Weathered Aluminium ?

black gpz500s · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 15 Mar 2005 Karma :

After riding through the worst of this year's winter conditions the aluminium frame, swingarm, footrests and some engine parts of my bike are coated with that white corrosion that looks like dry rot on wood.

I know it's harmless but what's the best way to clean this off ?

It always spoils the look of a bike. You can clean everything else: chains, wheels, tyres, plastics, even rusted parts pretty easily, but not the aluminium parts.

Adam_P · World Chat Champion Joined: 23 Jan 2004 Karma :

Autosol (get it from Halfords) Best stuff I've ever found for cleaning and making Aluminium shine.

Gives it a proctective layer of sorts as well apparantly. But really easy to use and apply and doesn't take much to get good results.
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landy.s11a · Scooby Slapper Joined: 19 May 2005 Karma :

Autosol and an old toothbrush works a treat Thumbs Up

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bish777 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Nov 2004 Karma :

You could polish them?

Hard work, but once polished, its easy to keep them that way. The high polish finish resists corrosion.
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ZRX61 · Victor Meldrew Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

metal prep from an autobody shop

zaknafien · Joined: 25 Mar 2002 Karma :

Autosol as other's have said, I've just done my exhaust with it and it looks virtually new (excusing the massive gouges that is).
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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

colin1 · Captain Safety Joined: 17 Feb 2005 Karma :

i think some ppl spray silicone spray over polished aluminium to stop it dulling
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Marcg868 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Karma :

Is autosol ok to use on the engine Bolts etc? And also on the bottom of the fork legs?
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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

Yes and yes - it's a general purpose polish.

However, if only polishes the surface of the metal. For real stubborn areas or original finishes (which are usually quite hard wearing) it may be better to use polishing mops, or, if you prefer a more hands on approach (like me) wet and dry.

Marcg868 · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jan 2005 Karma :

Well they're not extremely bad just a little bit of white spots from sal on them. One thing thats really pissed me is one of my fairing bolts has seized up and ive shagged the head on it with screw driver so it needs drilling out Evil or Very Mad

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craigs23 · Mr Muscle Joined: 08 Jun 2005 Karma :

A dab of copper slip will help next time round.