My Vortech's polished aluminum intake pipe and aftercooler isn't so polished anymore. I've tried to shine it up a little but it still looks like ****. It's kind of embarrassing.
What is a good method and product to make it look better. I think it has some kind of clear coat on it too. What do you think?
Thanks,
Mike

 

If it has a clear coat, would have to polish like you would paint. But if not, any metal polish should work well. Currently I'm using adams metal polishes on my polished goodies. If you use a metal polish and start to see a black residue, then its not clear coated

 

If it has dulled out it is a good chance the anodized is begining to break down.. But to do it rite. I would first start out by doing a small section possible on the bottom, where you can not see it, using 1000-1500 grit paper, wet sand till it becomes smooth.. Make sure you use the same direction of strokes with the paper.. after that wipe it clean, get some good polish, a buffing pad(wool) or on a bench grinder, buff it.. Aluminum is a pita if it is casty, or ruff.. If it is in fact anodized( doubtful) you have to sand all the anodizing off, do the same as I just mentioned...

 

The adams 2 stage metal polish is the SHIIIIIIZZZ!!! made the centerlines i bought look like chrome!

 

Thanks for the replies. I have to try your suggestions.
This sounds like it's gonna suck. LOL

 

The Adams stuff couldnt be easier to use. You hardly have to put any elbow grease into it to get it to work good. Here's how it did on my Centerlines...

Before...




After

 

No offense.. The wheels you posted are far from being gone, have at a best some minor oxidation that a decent polish should take care of, but even by hand is going to be a bitch.. If you have rims that are pitted, actually have hard blemishes, hard oxidation, no wheel polish will bring it out by itself. It needs to be cut down, then finished first.. TO THE OP POST PICS ..

 

Thanks for calling me out Mangled03gmc LOL
Here are a couple of pics. I guess it's been 6 or 7 years to get this bad.

 

Doesnt look that bad to me at all. Take some scotch brite to it first then hit it with metal polish.

 

Doesn't look horrible, before doing anything else. Hit it with some metal polish real quick and see where that gets you. Then if needed, can go to coarser materials.