Polishing Vintage Hubcaps

[Ganglin]

Just purchased a set of original hubcaps to match our 71. They are brushed aluminum so I don't expect a gloss shine. The problem is they have milky looking spots and streaks that I can't get off. Tried rubbing compound, polishing compound and MetAll - nothing works.

This is not a photo of mine but the same type. Any ideas...? Thanks.....

[FreshAir]

Oh, it's you again. I am having the same problem with the bumper storage cover. I tried muriatic acid with 'some' result. WHEW, don't breathe deep though.
Neil.

[Ganglin]

Think your supposed to cut that stuff 10 to 1? Used it to etch a garage floor - made the mistake of using it full strength.... nasty!

Something has to remove the film. Thought about MEK or acetone but kind of afraid to use something not meant to polish metal.

Maybe someone will have a solution for us both.

[insanity]

Don't hold me to it. (Try a small area first!!!) But ill bet you can sand them and then polish.
We stumbled upon this by by accident while working on one of our tail lights.
I sanded the outer edge with 400 grit paper just to make it shiner than it was. Then hit it with polish for the heck of it. Boy was i surprised when it shined like new in just a few seconds. Warning (dry!) 400 grit leaves some scratches, that are a fun to get out.

We have since found that the gas tanks and bumper can be wet sanded with 400 to 600 grit and then polished easily. And I'm just guessing but ill bet every thing milky colored could be done like this. Well maybe not the bumper storage cover. Thinking about trying a wire brush wheel in a drill on mine. Just to brighten it up some.

We have lots of before and after pics of this but i have to get them loaded.

P/S I'm Angel73's Better half.
So its not really my first time on here.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by insanity

Well maybe not the bumper storage cover. Thinking about trying a wire brush wheel in a drill on mine. Just to brighten it up some.

The spinning wire brush on the bumper cover helps. Problem is the fine grooves are difficult for the brush to reach down into. I hand wire brushed also. I thought the m-acid would work it's way down. It does if you let it set a short while then brush but takes many repeats. Must be a better method out there somewhere.
Neil.

[Jester]

The hubcaps on this camper probably have an anodized coating. This is a type of plating which protects the aluminum but eventually turns milky looking. Jestco Products Buffing Supply has an anodize remover #797 or a polishing kit #769 which will remove the coating and then you can polish them like a mirror. try the link below. They also sell a polishing kit for the Airstreams that works better than any. good luck
Buffing Kits from JestcoProducts.com