Aluminum cleaning

[pilotblake]

I have an old (classic) Warn/Bellevue winch and was curious if there was any secrets or tested products to get the aluminum shined back up. If all else fails rustoleum does make a decent aluminum paint that doesn't look to gaudy. Having said that I would like to just get the original metal cleaned up. Anybody have any ideas?

[Geonovast]

I've used just a can of brakleen and a wire brush on a drill on a couple transmissions and T-cases.

[DirtyComanche]

How bad is it? If it was polished, and isn't pitted too bad, try a good aluminum polish on a ball or rag that goes in a drill. If it's pitted, a wire wheel is a start (should use brass if you can), or scotch-brite rolocks in a die grinder (use grey or blue) to take off the worst of things.

 

I don't do a good job of polishing aluminum, it's just going to corrode again anyways. Unless you clear over it.