Polishing aluminum dump truck bed?

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When i pulled aluminum dumps ( mid 1974 to early 90's) we used to get them acid bathed at a truck wash. But that made the finish clean but more whiteish, if thats a word. To keep it looking like the day it was new? I would have to say, your favorite aluminum polish, or buffing compound and a polishing wheel, and lots of energy. Of course if you knew some energetic friends and purchased more buffing tools, and supplies..+ food and refreshments?

 

Look up Alumaclear.

 

I know some guys in Barstow that could knock that out in no time at Litte Sisters.
Careful with the acid bath you could do more harm than good.
I used to use Mothers but went to Bushs its easier to work with.

 

Get it polished out and then sprayed with Alumaclear.

 

@Tug Toy has been known to run a buffer.

 

Boy if you want that to stay looking shiny like new... Well, I hope you really like your polishing rags... Lol


Sounds like the cruelest of tortures to me.

 

It’s gonna need a cut and buff then repeat as needed. I really don’t know any other way around it to keep it lookin good. I use a Makita polisher with a 14” soft wheel in between cutting stage polishes. Zephyr liquid with that wheel.
Atleast once a year we go all out on the cutting stage with airways and rouges. Get yourself a kit from either zephyr or renegade. I’ve used both products and I can’t really tell you which is better. The outcome is what you put into the work.
I’ve never sprayed a clear on it to keep it from getting dull. It’s just routine maintenance

 

Do not use any type of acid or “brightener” unless you are going to polish it soon. Aluminum is like skin, keep putting chemicals to it and the pores start to show. Stained aluminum is burnt pores in the metal or metal that’s been exposed to elements too long. I always spray wax the truck after each wash. It’s the same one I use for my RV. It applies while the truck is wet. And just wipe off. Having a wax on it will keep dirt out of the aluminums pores and more resistant to water and chemicals.