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Cleaning aluminium
Snuggs - 23/8/05 at 06:27 PM

Probably been asked before but here goes.

I have a pair of VERY grotty RV8 rocker covers so what is the best way to clean off the gunge and old paint.



Clive

[Edited on 23/8/05 by Snuggs]


StrikerBob - 23/8/05 at 07:44 PM

Paint stripper for the paint and brake cleaner for the bear ali.


johnjulie - 23/8/05 at 07:46 PM

If you want to get it really shiny, you'll need a polishing mop and compound. Takes all the hard work out of the job.
Cheers John


dave1888 - 23/8/05 at 08:39 PM

I've been using Mr Muscle on my pistons and rods made a fantastic job cleaning them, Dont leave it on to long though.


Donners90 - 24/8/05 at 07:17 AM

I used this stuff to get the paint off the rockers. Some of the older paint takes a few goes but it comes up perfect.

BEWARE this is a very toxic product!! (but it works wonders)

For the grunge, Jizer from DEB. About £15 for 5L. Again excellent stuff.

[Edited on 24-8-2005 by Donners90]


NS Dev - 24/8/05 at 11:10 AM

nitromors, or find a local engine machine shop with a hotwash.

Just stuck my crank, covered in brown oil laquer which Jizer and a wire brush wouldn't touch, in the hotwash at work and it is now bare grey forging all over, just superb!!


Snuggs - 24/8/05 at 10:36 PM

Cheers guys.


quattromike - 18/9/05 at 09:47 AM

I got this from a thread on this site some time ago, just get a big pan and boil a heep of rubarb leaves (not stalks but leaves) and put your ali parts in the pan along with them and boil them together for a while and roberts your mothers brother.
I did it and works a treat

Mike.


SixedUp - 18/9/05 at 01:05 PM

The rhubarb leaves contain lots of oxalic acid, so by boiling them up you are essentially making up your own personal (low-intensity!) hotwash.

Note that oxalic acid is slightly toxic. Although its going to be a pretty low concentration, gloves might be a wise idea, especially if you're doing it often ...

Interestingly, did you know that rhubarb can also be used as the basis for an insecticide, and hair dye too?

Cheers
Richard


Rorty - 19/9/05 at 05:55 AM

quote:
Originally posted by SixedUp
The rhubarb leaves contain lots of oxalic acid, so by boiling them up you are essentially making up your own personal (low-intensity!) hotwash.

Note that oxalic acid is slightly toxic. Although its going to be a pretty low concentration, gloves might be a wise idea, especially if you're doing it often ...

Interestingly, did you know that rhubarb can also be used as the basis for an insecticide, and hair dye too?

Cheers
Richard

What colour does the hair end up...green or red?
Be careful of Oxalic acid when it dries and crystalises. I used to use it for bleaching iron and ink stains and if you rub the crystals and create dust and then subsequently breathe it in, your nose trims and lungs will suffer badly.


wilkingj - 19/9/05 at 08:38 PM

I used these people for my mops.
Shesto - Polishing Mops and Compounds

Pleased with the price and the service.
I have no connection other than being a satisfied customer.