Aluminium side steps x5

[shane1610]

hi i am new to this forum thing so if i am doing something wrong please put me right. ok can anyone tell me what would be the best aluminium cleaner for my side steps on my x5. these could also be called running boards. they are in good condition and not corroded just want fetching back up to how they were. ive tried Maguires metal polish but it hardly touches it. any help is appreciated?

[shane1610]

Aluminium cleaner

hi new to this forum thing. can anyone give me the best alloy cleaner to use on my running boards on my x5. they are not corroded as its an 05 plate (uk) they need a good clean, ive tried the Maguires metal polish but its not strong enough. i live in the uk so decent products like Maguires is scarce.

[Daniel Kinder]

Re: Aluminium side steps x5

hey shane
can you post some pictures? I'm not familiar with what they look like or how there made?
Are they anodized or clear coated?
In other words when you applied the polish did the area turn black where you were rubbing? If so then there is no coating.
And you stated that the polish didn't have no affect,so that's telling me that maybe they are coated with something and if so then are you just trying to put a coat of protection on them.
Have you tried any other products to see if any improvments are made?
If it's made from the new alclad aluminum,then you aren't going to be able to get a reflective mirror shine, just a frosty look unless you start compounding with metal compound and thats a different thread and topic all together.
Need more info to be more help?

[Mike Pennington]

Re: Aluminium cleaner

I think that may be anodized or clear coated ?

Pictures ???

If so, any metal polish will not work



Mike

[Tim Lingor]

Re: Aluminium side steps x5

Hey,

I have merged your other post to the Detailing 101 section since it is the same question. Please do not double post, Thanks!

Tim

[shane1610]

Re: Aluminium side steps x5

hey shane
can you post some pictures? I'm not familiar with what they look like or how there made?
Are they anodized or clear coated?
In other words when you applied the polish did the area turn black where you were rubbing? If so then there is no coating.
And you stated that the polish didn't have no affect,so that's telling me that maybe they are coated with something and if so then are you just trying to put a coat of protection on them.
Have you tried any other products to see if any improvments are made?
If it's made from the new alclad aluminum,then you aren't going to be able to get a reflective mirror shine, just a frosty look unless you start compounding with metal compound and thats a different thread and topic all together.
Need more info to be more help?

hi dan thanks for answering me. we are having rain at the min in the uk so will try to post photos as soon as i can. it seems the aluminium is not smooth and i think this is why the Maguires is hardly touching it. im going to try another paste when the weather breaks so will reply. BTW the side steps have rubber grips on the top of the alloy plate so the alloy has to be polished in between them. thanks again dan