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has anyone ever tried polishing aluminum parts (pedals, valve covers, etc)? i tried the sanding method (400grit, then use polish), but the grit is gone after a minute of sanding. i've tried sanding both wet and dry, but the same thing happens. does anyone have a better way, or any tips?

 
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or are there places that will polish or chrome them for me, where?

 
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To get something that comes out with a nice even high polish shine... you're gonna need polishing wheels. I'm guessing you don't have a polishing jack at your house, but there are places that should offer parts polishing services. Check the phone book for machine shops and ask if they can do it for you. For something like pedals, you may be able to do it with a dremel and the polishing discs that come with it, but don't do the valve cover with a dremel, you'll have lines all over it.

 
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Try Carquest. They have a polishing wheel kit for $29.99 it get's the job done quick. It attaches to any drill. Just make sure you get some good polish like mothers, or wenol.

 
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Has anyone on here actually polished their valve cover and if so, do you know of any pics? I was thinking of polishing mine but haven't decided yet.

 
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I had a '91 Corvette ZR1 whose suspension parts were forged aluminum. I tried polishing them with Mothers Metal Polish and the end result was a chrome-like finish. Looked pretty awesome. It faded after driving for a month or two, as the surface oxidizes, but only takes a few minutes to re-polish. AutoZone and PepBoys carry it.
HTH...

 
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I've found that steel wool works the best. First some rough sanding. Whatever the bumpiness of the aluminum. I use pretty smooth aluminum to begin with, so I only have to do 220 grit, then 400, then 600, then fine steel wool, then ultra-fine steel wool. Then for the ultimate shine use a cleaner wax. I use Mother's cleaner wax. You will get the aluminum to a mirror shine by doing this.