Polishing aluminum and chrome

[OCDetails]

I had an opportunity to really bust out and try a system I’ve had collecting dust for quite some time. The Wolfgang Metalwerk Aluminum polishes (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-metallwerk-aluminum-polishing.html). I don’t deal with a lot of uncoated aluminum, so I don’t get a chance to really break this out very often. The last opportunity I had was with a Supra engine back in 2006 I believe.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/bar.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/Corner.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/SupraEngine2.jpg

I loved that engine… Anyway, I was faced with a new challenge recently. A 1955 Chevy with what I believe looks like a Chevy 350 small block in it. I could be wrong, but that’s my guess. There were actually some pains taken to clean this engine bay up a lot by relocating the battery to the trunk and a couple other things hidden behind the cowl and firewall. The problem was the aluminum was all very very flat and dull. So I grabbed my Metalwerk Aluminum Bundle (http://www.autogeek.net/wolfgang-metallwerk--aluminum-bundle.html) and went to work. I was absolutely blown away by the results. I really wish I would have taken before pictures, but I honestly didn’t think things were that bad looking until I was done with it.

For example, here are the wheels before:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/36d72d0a.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/9c94d5dd.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/9b1c6450.jpg

And after:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/8dbe4585.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/2f50d7b2.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/882d47d0.jpg

That is an example of the power of this product. Hard core oxidation and waterspot etching is not easy to clear up. This took some time, but the results were very easy to obtain. I sealed it up with the Wolfgang metal sealant for some durability of the shine and future resistance to damage.

Here is the result on the engine. That radiator was like a mirror when I was done. It was grey and not even reflective at all to begin with.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/aff84807.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/8bb19cfa.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/9b146967.jpg

It all turned out really well. If you have any uncoated aluminum you want to shine up, then this setup is definitely great. Regardless of your metal polishing needs, I’m pretty sure one of these polishes will work. At the very least, the metal sealant will help protect the chrome and other materials you want to keep looking shiny. I use it on the chrome on my bike.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/ea6e41ec.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y42/OCDetails/DSCN1439.jpg

I tell ya… I wouldn’t last 5 seconds as a fish. The first time I saw something shiny I’d be f’ed. lol

[Garry Dean]

Nice work! My new favorite metal polish is the Sonus Chrome polish. Have you tried that?

[OCDetails]

I haven't tried that yet. I've been getting good results from my metalwerks polishes and good old fashioned Never Dull, so I haven't branched out too much. I don't do a whole lot of metal polishing, so I haven't had to stray.

[IOMCAMARO]

I hate polishing metal, but man when it's done it looks good.
P.S. My summer job this year before I start college in the fall is polishing aluminum semi wheels that haven't been polished for 10+ years lol.

[Twister]

Nice work. It defiantly took some time to get those wheels cleaned up.

I've learned to like polishing. For years I had bare aluminum wheels on my daily driver and I would always get complements on the wheels looking so good. Ive always been a fan of Eagle One Billet polish. I've tried other products and I just haven't gotten the same results. I might have to try Wolfgang

[OCDetails]

Hey, if what you are using is working for you, then there is no reason to change. However, if there is anything that annoys you about the products you are using, then that is when it is time to shop around. I learned a long time ago that changing products just because something new came out is a good way to go broke. lol Use what works and use it often, as the wise man says. ;)

[dannythekid]

The pics look great. Can you recommend a product for polishing stainless (I was going to go with Nevr-Dul), as well as the inside of exhaust tips where the black exhaust buildup forms?

[JasonI]

Thanks for the post. I've got a 67 mustang that has sat in my garage for about 3 years without a good engine cleaning and I was wondering what the heck to use to get it clean again.

[Scarelane]

I've been using Optimum Metal Polish with outstanding results! Works great on all of my billet aluminum parts....