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Best way to polish aluminum?

Discussion in 'Peterbilt Forum' started by Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020.

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  1. Mar 14, 2020 #1
    Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    My fuel tanks are starting to look pretty bad. I've heard aluminum can be hard to clean and make look good. Does anyone have any tips on what cleaning product to use? I have a can of Mother's aluminum polish and for tools I have my 2 hands (I'll be doing this at my work) or a DeWalt drill. Any help is appreciated!
     
    Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020
    Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020
    #1
    NightWind, 6wheeler and Bakerman Thank this.
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  3. Mar 14, 2020 #2
    HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    2000 grit sandpaper first and then lots and lots of elbow grease. An orbital sander works better than your hands.
     
    HoneyBadger67, Mar 14, 2020
    HoneyBadger67, Mar 14, 2020
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  4. Mar 14, 2020 #3
    Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    Sand the tanks down then use the polish?
     
    Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020
    Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020
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  5. Mar 14, 2020 #4
    HoneyBadger67

    HoneyBadger67 Road Train Member

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    Yes
    You're only looking to remove the scale, not any metal.
     
    HoneyBadger67, Mar 14, 2020
    HoneyBadger67, Mar 14, 2020
    #4
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  7. Mar 14, 2020 #5
    Dave1837

    Dave1837 Road Train Member

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    I'll give it a shot. Thank you!
     
    Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020
    Dave1837, Mar 14, 2020
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    D.Tibbitt and HoneyBadger67 Thank this.
  8. Mar 14, 2020 #6
    201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Aluminum is a PITA. My tanks were painted, problem solved.
     
    201, Mar 14, 2020
    201, Mar 14, 2020
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  9. Mar 14, 2020 #7
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    Definitely sand with high grit paper first to knock off the oxidation on the surface. If you don't, you will be there WAY longer.

    An electric buffer works great. Saves a lot of time too. I polished the wheels on a neighbour's tridem bed + jeep one summer when I was a teen. Did it by hand and it sucked. I won't do it without a buffer tool.
     
    AModelCat, Mar 14, 2020
    AModelCat, Mar 14, 2020
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  10. Mar 14, 2020 #8
    Bakerman

    Bakerman Road Train Member

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    The best way to polish aluminum is to call the Polish guy to your house to do the tanks while you sit inside and drink beer and watch TV.
     
    Bakerman, Mar 14, 2020
    Bakerman, Mar 14, 2020
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  11. Mar 14, 2020 #9
    Brettj3876

    Brettj3876 Road Train Member

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    Gonna polish the 93 today, haven't done it all winter. 6 pack of beer required 1st lol
     
    Brettj3876, Mar 14, 2020
    Brettj3876, Mar 14, 2020
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  12. Mar 14, 2020 #10
    AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    You're that quick? I'd need a flat lol.
     
    AModelCat, Mar 14, 2020
    AModelCat, Mar 14, 2020
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