Rust remover mistake!

[Defore]

Im restoring a 1982 gs 550 so I sprayed the rust remover I got from home depot all over my bike. Well at 1st it was working great on all the rust then I over did it and my aluminum is corroding. I sprayed the bike down a put backing soda all over it to neutralize the rust remover. Now when it dries my aluminum looks horrible. Is there something I can spray on my aluminum then buff it? Theres just so many small parts I cant reach with a buffer.

[GS ace]

You might try a product called Alumabrite, sold by Caswell.

[Rover]

Ouch,sorry man. I think buffing may salvage the large pieces,give it a try.

[Flyboy]

Best bet is to probably paint the motor and polish the covers, should get it back to looking brand new again.
VHT make a silver which is as close to damnit to the original silver used by Suzuki, and here are plenty threads on polishing engine covers and on painting the engine, just do a search.
Good luck, let us know what you decide to do.

[Defore]

Ok so I did some research and found that someone used 2 part mineral spirits (paint thinner not lacquer thinner) 1 part transmission fluid and let it soak for an hour. Then spray it down with citric acid and wash it off with warm water. I put 3 coats on and let it sit over night. From what I see its working fine. I haven't sprayed the orange cleaner on it yet but when I do Ill keep it posted.

[LoopGaroo]

If the AL is anodized, you can remove the finish with Easy-Off oven cleaner and then buff the AL to a chrome-like finish with simichrome or Mothers AL/Mag polish

[malibuman]

Go get some Hydrochloric acid and mix it with 1/2 water put in in a spray bottle and try that in a small spot..then was it off with water..It works on aluminum mags.Truck drivers use it all the time on their trucks. I have used it too but never on a Bike.
Any hardware store will have it.Its acid so be careful.





James

[bonanzadave]

Its acid so be careful.

Careful being the key word I would shy away from this. Most Mag wheel acids have a disclaimer / warning NOT to use on MCs. You may not be able to stop the corrosive action of the acid which will weaken / fatigue aluminum parts. Best to take the parts off the bike to clean and buff.