Cleaning Alternators, AC's and the like

[snk1994]

Has anyone used any products on the raw alternators or AC's that clean them up and make them look new? Its a rough raw metal and I know it isnt going to polish like chrome but I would like to take the brownish grey color out of them and make then silver grey like when they were new.

 

[tnovot]

Has anyone used any products on the raw alternators or AC's that clean them up and make them look new? Its a rough raw metal and I know it isnt going to polish like chrome but I would like to take the brownish grey color out of them and make then silver grey like when they were new.

I doubt if there is any wipe on - wipe off product that will remove stubborn corrosion on cast aluminum. There are metal cleaning products like Flitz and Cameo metal & stainless steel cleaner but they dry to a powder and could cause damage to internals.
I just removed my alternator and used a wire brush (being careful to avoid letting residue get inside). Then blew it out with air when done. Not perfect but looks a lot nicer than before.

 

[Vettefan87]

You might have to wetsand them a little. I dont know if you could clean them up with steal wool. I know that works good on hard AC lines and such.