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Old 06-13-2010 | 08:54 PM
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Default Aluminum Trailer Restorer

What do you guys use? I just had my all new u-bolts and nuts replaced, new HD springs, disc brakes, recarpeted the bunks, and a new actuator put on the trailer. The aluminum was looking a little pitted. I used MOTHER's aluminum polish and it came out OK, but not great. I heard "brasso"? was good but I cant seem to find it anywhere. Any suggestions on what to use and how to use it would be greatly appreciated. Here's a before and after (different sides)
Attached Thumbnails Aluminum Trailer Restorer-photo-11-.jpg   Aluminum Trailer Restorer-photo-12-.jpg  
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Old 06-14-2010 | 01:42 AM
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SOS pads or fine steel wool and soapy water. Go with the grain of the aluminum and wear gloves.
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Old 06-14-2010 | 05:56 AM
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Do a search for Busch's Aluminum Polish. Truckers use it and it works lot of stuff to choose from and they will promptly answer questions via email.
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Old 06-14-2010 | 11:04 AM
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+ 1 sos pads but i would find stainless steel wool pads and soapy water
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Old 06-14-2010 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by mrfixxall
+ 1 sos pads but i would find stainless steel wool pads and soapy water
Use "stainless" steel wool or you will see little rust spots start to appear over time. The real steel wool will deposit in the aluminum. Good luck, it will look great when you are done.
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Old 06-16-2010 | 10:24 PM
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Originally Posted by Throttle Fever
Use "stainless" steel wool or you will see little rust spots start to appear over time. The real steel wool will deposit in the aluminum. Good luck, it will look great when you are done.
Regular dishwashing soap, water, and a stainless steel wool pad... going with the grain. Will this removing the pitting AND bring back the shine? Or should I use the stainless steel wool and than reapply the polish? Thanks for the reply's guys!
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Old 06-17-2010 | 12:55 AM
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It won't get rid of pitting, but will make it shine a lot more.
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Old 06-17-2010 | 05:01 PM
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I use a http://www.amazon.com/3M-Scotch-Brit.../dp/B000LPN3WQ
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Old 06-17-2010 | 05:02 PM
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Originally Posted by mastercraft240
Regular dishwashing soap, water, and a stainless steel wool pad... going with the grain. Will this removing the pitting AND bring back the shine? Or should I use the stainless steel wool and than reapply the polish? Thanks for the reply's guys!
You can apply the the polish with the steel wool and then wipe off. Alot of work but turns out well, depending on how much elbow grease you apply....
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Old 06-20-2010 | 03:32 PM
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We decided to test first. We used the Brillo type steel wool pad on the inside of of a main beam. Looked perfect....twice wet in fresh water and right back to where we started. For us, it was the same as trying to polish a lower case on an outdrive...won't last.
It is also enough work to consider hiring $10 hr day laborers.
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