anodized tower? how do i clean.

[blstriker]

I have recently purchased a boat with an after market custom Aluminum T-Top. I have tried to clean it with a bunch of different brands of cleaners but none have taken off the buildup. I am uncertain wether or not it is anodized but there is no rust, just a lot of small black/grey bumps of something. The cleaners I have used thus far are all OK for anodized products and I don't want to use anything like sandpaper or wool in case it is anodized. The buildup of blackish/grey gunk and simply won't come off. I have asked the pros how to tell if it is anodized and the answers I have received seem to say if it is shiny it is anodized. well it wasn't shiny at first but after polishing it is so I still can't tell. The fact remains that nothing seems to get the buildup/residue off. Any hints, tips or suggestions on what I can do to get rid of all of these samll spots of gunk and how to determine wether it is galvanized or not.

 

[cuzner]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

Fine steel wool, try a small area first to make sure it hurt any finish it may have.Rubbing compuond may help to, but if its real bad start with steel wool.<br /><br /> Jim

 

[prockvoan]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

DON"T USE STEELWOOL!What will happen is,the STEEL wool will leave behine steel in the alumunn,rust will be the big next problem.Try a 3m scotch pad,(you know thoses green ones),try it in a spot that is out of the way.Use water with it!

 

[reka12]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

Rubbing it with a wadded up piece of aluminum foil works good for me. It is soft, only takes of the grunge and doesn't scratch the finish. Learned it from motorcycles...

 

[Boatist]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

Aluminum does not rust and will not be Galvanized.<br />It could be Anodized which will help avoid corrosion or tarnish.<br />Aluminum can corrode or pit from salt water. Many products will work on Aluminum.<br />There are a lot of grades of aluminum. Some very resistant to Salt Water and some are not.<br />You can go to the auto store and buy aluminum wheel cleaner.<br />Also West Marine has Lots of cleaners and polishes.<br />Here at IBoat is where I would look first.<br />If the aluminum is pited and has a whiteish looking corrosion I would try a produce called<br />ALUMINUM JELLY first.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?keywords=aluminum+cleaner&submit.x=20&submit.y=13&submit=Search

 

[cc lancer]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

The anodized layer is only a few microns thick.<br />If the top has spent its life in a saltwater environment the coating may be gone.<br /><br />You say it has turned gray, this sounds like the anodized layer has gone, and only a harsh cleaner is going to make it bright. Then it will be a problem to keep it shiny.<br /><br />Get a bottle of Mother's aluminum wheel cleaner,<br />scrub a small spot. If this does not clean it up the anodize layer is gone.

 

[NathanY]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

Go to your nearest Semi-Truck parts store, ask them for fleet brite. Follow directions on bottle. Stuff is made for anadized and non-anadized aluminum. Be sure to wear you gloves as this stuff will leave a nasty burn on your skin. Its $8 a gallon, but makes 25 gallons. Ever see those big rigs driving down the road with super shiny tanks and wheels? We use fleet brite.

 

[NathanY]

Re: anodized tower? how do i clean.

By the way, dont waste you money on consumer grade cleaners. They simply dont work. Get the industrial stuff, and follow direction word for word.