Have just scored an early two piece aluminium mesh sunvisor for my FJ, I can clean and polish the aluminium edges and centre divider But the mesh has an oxidised look about it that I'd like to clean, was thinking maybe oven cleaner like Mr Muscle??? I've used it to remove petrol stains from alloy V8 Manifolds before, spray it on wait one minute and hose off, repeat and repeat.
Experience taught me several applications work better than leaving it on too long
Before I try this has anyone used anything better for removing oxidation from mesh or other surfaces where you can't use a buffer
If you use oven cleaner on aluminium you'll permanently damage the finish and leave it a dull grey. Same with some acid based aluminium cleaners (cleaners like 'Septone' will etch it). Gets it clean alright, but ruins the finish.
Here's some info I dug up.
The cleaning procedure adopted will depend on the current condition of the surface and the time lapsed since last attended.
If regularly maintained washing down Anodised aluminium with warm water containing a suitable wetting agent or with mild soap solution. Hand rubbing is often used for small work for larger projects utensils such as fibre brushes may be more practical.
More difficult grime deposits may require the use of a mild abrasive such as pumice powder and water. Where greasy deposits are concerned, cleaning may require a soft cloth dipped in white spirits.
It is necessary to thoroughly rinse with water after cleaning especially where crevices are present to ensure removal of all residues.
What NOT to use?
The removal of grime by the use of emery paper, sand paper, steel wool or other highly abrasive materials.
Acid or alkaline cleaners are not recommended as they can damage the anodised coating.
Emulsion cleaners or proprietary chemical agents may also attack the anodised coating therefore they should never be used except in consultation with companies specialising in the cleaning of anodised aluminium.
Alan
Member No.1 of the FB EK Holden Car Club of WA (Woo-hoo sweet!)
Is the construction of the visor easy enough to get the mesh out, or is it welded/pressed/mooshed into position? If the mesh will come out, places like SuperCheap sell mesh for the Zim Pirates front grilles (might take some hunting to find the right profile mesh though).
Cheers,
Harv.
327 Chev EK wagon, original EK ute for Number 1 Daughter, an FB sedan meth monster project and a BB/MD grey motored FED.
Harv wrote:Is the construction of the visor easy enough to get the mesh out, or is it welded/pressed/mooshed into position? If the mesh will come out, places like SuperCheap sell mesh for the Zim Pirates front grilles (might take some hunting to find the right profile mesh though).
Cheers,
Harv.
Harv,
I don't want to split the visor as its well framed in alumnium and after thinking about it most of the day I'm going to polish up the frame and leave the mesh as is.
I had a good look at it in the daylight today and the weathered look of the mesh will be fine, will fit it up over the weekend to check for overall fit and take it back off to polish and detail the aluminium frame edges
Try a small section underneath first but you can bet one thing - if the level of oxidisation present is already a bit ordinary then any anodising exited stage right a long time ago so you've got nothing to lose !
Autosol or similar for the rest of the alloy. Clamps look like stainless and would respond well to buffing.
Post a pic or two when you're done whatever you use.
But the mesh has an oxidised look about it that I'd like to clean, was thinking maybe oven cleaner like Mr Muscle??? I've used it to remove petrol stains from alloy V8 Manifolds before, spray it on wait one minute and hose off, repeat and repeat.
front grilles (might take some hunting to find the right profile mesh though).