cleaning galvanized aluminum t-top?

[JB]

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

 

[blstriker]

cleaning galvanized aluminum t-top?

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]

Re: cleaning galvanized aluminum t-top?

I agree with JB. Aluminum does not rust and will not be Galvanized.<br />It could be Anodized which will help avoid corrosion or tarnish. <br />Aluminum can corrode or pit from salt water. Many products will work on Aluminum.<br />There are a lot of grades of aluminum. Some very resistant to Salt Water and some are not.<br />You can go to the auto store and buy aluminum wheel cleaner. <br />Also West Marine has Lots of cleaners and polishes.<br />Here at IBoat is where I would look first. <br />If the aluminum is pited and has a whiteish looking corrosion I would try a product called<br />ALUMINUM JELLY first.<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/mall/index.cgi?keywords=aluminum+cleaner&submit.x=20&submit.y=13&submit=Search