Cleaning Extruded Aluminum Passenger Cars

[Anonymous]

What has anyone found to be the best way to clean pre-war extruded aluminum passenger cars made by Lionel, AMT, Kusan , etc.?

Thanks for the feedback.

[Anonymous]

I use Never Dull.  It is available at automotive stores.  I used it on a Gilbert Flyer aluminum car, and it worked great.  Took the dirt/oxidation right off, and the car really shines.

[Sturgeon-Phish]

I too have used polish for aluminum wheels for my AF cars.  Take your time and you will be amazed the black crud that will come off.

Jim 

[USNRol]

Believe it or not I used a stiff wire brush to clean my 2500 silver series cars I recently acquired.  They were in rough condition though, lots of corrosion products (piles of white powder) and the color was the flattest dull grey you could imagine.  Just run the wire brush with the grain and it was quick and easy and left a very shiny appearance.  Maybe not a good process for minor cleaning but I considered my job a restoration really.  I probably should seal the aluminum with a clear coat spray maybe?  Any painters out there know whether that'd be a good idea on an extruded aluminum streamliner?

Roland

[Anonymous]

Jim,

       Try the Never Dull on the brass wheels (most tenders).  They really shine.  Also helps reduce sparking.

[iguanaman3]

Believe it or not I used a stiff wire brush to clean my 2500 silver series cars I recently acquired. 

I'm hoping that was a soft brass wire brush. Even that can scratch the aluminum. I can't imagine how badly a steel brush would scratch up those old cars. I would use a buffing wheel and some polishing compound instead.

 Neil

 

 

[Jumijo]

I thought someone had recommended Mother's Mag Wheel Cleaner? Said it shined the cars like chome.

Jim 

[3railguy]

I thought someone had recommended Mother's Mag Wheel Cleaner? Said it shined the cars like chome.

Jim 

I use Mothers and it is good stuff. I think any quality aluminum wheel compound is good. I've used etching spray on really bad surfaces and it helped. You have to be careful with it because it is an acid.