Alternator Cleanup Advice Needed
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 562
Likes: 21
From: Southington Connecticut
Alternator Cleanup Advice Needed
New owner of a 2002 Vert. Everything stock under the hood and clean. Appears to have been well maintained by previous owner. Only eyesore is the alternater and bracket have a white oxidation like residue that I would like to spruce up and get to look like new. Any suggestions on what metal cleaners or polishes to use and technique appreciated.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
I have the same complaint about the alternator on my 02. The finish looks crude enough to have been caste in a third world country. My C3 and C4 alternators were much smoother. It needs a good rub with steel wool- but thats not a good idea. I'm interested to hear some metal cleaning or polishing suggestions too.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 0
i took a 4 inch grinder and a soft pad from home depot and some of the polish they sell with it and polished mine out . i didnt do any sanding i just start polishing . i even done the throttle intake and tensioner . you get very dirty doing it but the end results i think are worth it . i'll post some pics tonight
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
What you are seeing is a common condition.
Here are a couple of solutions (vs spending time attempting to clean them up
):
Here are a couple of solutions (vs spending time attempting to clean them up
):
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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I'm not sure exactly how well it would work, but you might want to try a product called Never Dull. It is made for cleaning all types of metal and it may just remove the oxidation that your alternator and bracket has.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,651
Likes: 9
From: HOW FAST WAS I GOING OFFICER? Los Angeles Hating GM Dealership Service Dept.'s Since Sept. 2004
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I used some 000 steel wool and metal polish. Did it a year ago, still looks clean 
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