Just wondering how you guys bring a old aluminium transmission cover back to being clean and shiny to install back into a car? I am using a 'Steelo'. Any other suggestions?
Most people glass bead them. However, years ago there used to be this aluminum rim cleaner called Espree. You sprayed it on and rinsed it off with water. It took all oxidation off and left the metal looking frosty and natural. I don't think you can get that stuff anymore but here is a link to what is possibly the bio-friendly version of that stuff.
http://www.biokleen.com/aluminum-cleaner?a=ppc-aluminum-cleaner&gclid=CjgKEAjwoJ -dBRDbjfKN7IzN0FsSJAAP0G_DKKj5IwSwVgstlBm70c7LhgJdbq-tlq_9oc3eF-cD8vD_BwE
Before spending extra dough on some special product, I'd start with something simple. All mine took was a good scrubbing with lacquer thinner.
I take mine to the local engine shop and have them run it through their washer. I think they charge me 25 bucks. They come out factory clean and look like new aluminum, not gussied-up old aluminum.
I steam cleaned mine.
Get you some laquer thinner or maybe a good engine degreaser and take it to a car wash if you don't have a pressure washer.
It will clean up nice.
Scrub and degrease, then use the mag wheel cleaner, rinse, dry. Makes it look real nice.