What's the best way to clean-up aluminum valve covers?

[C3forME]

What's the best way to get my L82 aluminum finned valve covers to look like new again? They have the typical oxidation on them that come with age, but are otherwise in great shape.

 

[paintdaddy]

Do ya want them polished or just detailed and clean.If you just want them cleaned and detailed,use eagle ones etching mag cleaner on them.This will turn the aluminum a bright silver.Not shiny just bright.If you want them polished ,polish the fins and leave the rest black

 

[SwaveDave]

Get Tarnite. You can find it in most hardware stores. It works very very well on aluminum and chrome to remove oxidation. You apply it then leave it for about 30 minutes, then remove with a clean terri cloth. You wont believe how it looks. It works good on dull plastics also. Great stuff. About 4 dollars.

 

[cntrhub]

I have nothing to add. I just wanted this thread sent to me, so I don't lose it. I too would like to detail a set of wheels that have some nasty ocean oxy on the finish. I don't want to lose the original factory dull finish, but I think it's too gone for that. How well will "Tarnite" work with a worst case scenario?

 

[SwaveDave]

Tarnite is designed to remove oxidation and tarnish from all metals ; My windshield door operator which is aluminum, was pretty messed up. I tried Maas, SemiChrome, and Wenol cremes...but they only did a partial job on it. I was in a hardware store and noticed the little can of Tarnite, and thought 'what the heck'... its worth a shot. The stuff outdid the others hands down. I used it on my ralley wheels, ralley trim rings, carb, valve covers, chrome thermostat housing, chrome alternator, stainless steel T Top moulding , all plastic lenses. Ive experimented with the amount of time to leave it on, and, i find about 30 minutes is best. You dont have to rub hard...you only need to apply it softly, because it works based on a chemical reaction. Youll like it.

Dave