[JB]

Howdy SM.Sure doesn't seem like an Electrical problem to me. I will move it to Boats.Aluminum may be anodized but not galvanized.

[blstriker]

I have recently purchased a boat with an after market custom Aluminum T-Top. I have tried to clean it with a bunch of different brands of cleaners but none have taken off the buildup. I am uncertain wether or not it is galvanized but there is no rust. The cleaners I have used thus far are all OK for galvanized products. The buildup is small spots of blackish/grey gunk and simply won't come off. I do not want to sand it as I don't want to ruin the galvanizing if it is indeed galvanized. I have asked the pros how to tell if it is galvanized and I have received a wide variety of very different answers. Any hints, tips or suggestions on what I can do to get rid of all of these samll spots of gunk and how to determine wether it is galvanized or not.

[Boatist]

I agree with JB. Aluminum does not rust and will not be Galvanized.It could be Anodized which will help avoid corrosion or tarnish. Aluminum can corrode or pit from salt water. Many products will work on Aluminum.There are a lot of grades of aluminum. Some very resistant to Salt Water and some are not.You can go to the auto store and buy aluminum wheel cleaner. Also West Marine has Lots of cleaners and polishes.Here at IBoat is where I would look first. If the aluminum is pited and has a whiteish looking corrosion I would try a product calledALUMINUM JELLY first. http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi...&submit=Search