Cleaning Discolored Aluminum Brightwork

OK, you're restoring your British sports car and now you're up against scratched and discolored aluminum brightwork. You would like to buff it out to bring out the luster but there's a hard anodized coating that will have to be removed before any polishing or buffing can take place.

The first time I tried to rectify this I used emery cloth, but it was dusty, time consuming and somewhat frustrating. I'll never do it that way again! Here's a neat, clean and fast way to overcome the problem:

1. Trot down to your neighborhood grocery store and pick up a can of Easy-Off Oven Cleaner and a pair of rubber household gloves.
2. Spray the oven cleaner liberally over the anodizing and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Rinse with water and wipe the part clean. Voila! Pure uncoated aluminum. Re-anodize if you wish but I prefer mine uncoated and polished.