DSS Aluminium Finish - damaged?

[dropstharockalot]

I gave my bike a much-needed cleaning a couple days back.  In my over-zealous attack on the grime on the cases and rear shock, I got degreaser (O'Reily Auto Purple Stuff) on the swingarm.  It has dried to a chalky, dusty sheen that does not want to come off.  I've tried H2O, Windex, and simple green so far.  Any other suggestions / tips / tricks would be appreciated.

Also, if I you believe I've gone and F'd up the finish on my swingarm, suggestions for repairs would be appreceiated as well.

Thanks in advance!

[Dellikose]

You could try some aluminum polish to buff the metal. I'm not sure how abrasive it is, but it may help.

You can pick it up at Autozone, Advanced, Napa, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Mothers-5100-Aluminum-Polish-Paste/dp/B00068GEJM

[ducpainter]

Those swing arms are anodized. It sounds like you stained it.

I'd try something less aggressive than metal polish first. Maybe some hand compound.

[battlecry]

I feel for you drops.  Some cleaners are toxic to aluminum.  I discovered it when I doused my enduro with Simple Green to loosen the crud off.  It ate into the aluminum.  I believe the purple stuff is even more caustic than Simple Green. 

Clean it up the best you can.  Other than that, not much to help you.  Sorry.

[Punx Clever]

Those swing arms are anodized. It sounds like you stained it.

I'd try something less aggressive than metal polish first. Maybe some hand compound.

This.  Metal polish removes oxidation... anodized just means a uniform layer of aluminum oxide on the surface of the part.  Metal polish will remove the ano.

[dropstharockalot]

I've browsed a couple 'hand compound' polishes on line, and they all say they remove stains but also remove oxidization... based on what Punx Clever posted, removing the oxidization isn't what I want to occur.

Can anyone help me with a recommendation?

The local NAPA / AutoZone / etc... all have Turtle Wax "Polishing Compound" and 3M Scratch Remover... similar descriptions and instructions.  Thoughts?

Thx again!

[corey]

side note, ease up on that simple green. it's very very bad for aluminum.
it's been banned by the army/navy/airforce for use on vehicles because of how corrosive it can be to alumn.

[ducpainter]

I've browsed a couple 'hand compound' polishes on line, and they all say they remove stains but also remove oxidization... based on what Punx Clever posted, removing the oxidization isn't what I want to occur.

Can anyone help me with a recommendation?

The local NAPA / AutoZone / etc... all have Turtle Wax "Polishing Compound" and 3M Scratch Remover... similar descriptions and instructions.  Thoughts?

Thx again!

Try something recommended for clear coats.

[OT]

I use a 1:2:: Simple Green:water mix that works fine for cleaning and doesn't attack the Al DSS...

[2-Skinny]

Yeah gotta be careful with Simple Green on AL- though it does work wonders, just don't let it sit on AL too long and rinse well.

[bikepilot]

Engine degreasers, wheel cleaners etc kill annodized finishes.  Only way I know to fix it is to polish through the annodizing (which, btw is a bit different from aluminum oxide -- aluminum oxidizes instantly in the presents of oxygen -- that's why you've gotta flood it with an inert gas to weld it). 

Annodizing is pretty hard stuff, you'll find it quite a bit of work to polish through it then you'll have a bare aluminum surface which will be comparitvely high maintenance.