Cleaning the aluminium on your trike

[Asterix]

I am sure a lot of us has oily finger prints / some engrained rooigrond stains / etc on various parts of our trikes. What is a safe way to polish them up? My first instinct says: "Brasso", my SURVIVAL instinct says: "don't bugger around with the metal that keeps you flying!"

What is a safe way to get those pipes gleaming without weakening the metal?

(And don't tell me Sunlight liquid and elbow grease! )

[DarkHelmet]

Sunlight liquid and elbow grease...

[Tumbleweed]

Seriously, Mr Min.

Also leaves a film to help against rust, future dirt and easier removal of the next bug splatter.

[Gyronaut]

Probably good advice DH.

Some more free advice...
Remember that Clean Green type products contain alkalines which in concentrated solutions are caustic.
If not washed off properly with water, neutralising the PH, it will corrode aluminium in the long term.

use it lose it...

[bobthebuilder]

Mr min works well after soap and water.
Braso is abrasive and will damage the annodised finish.

[Asterix]

First of - DH take your p&^s klap like a man!

To the rest of you guys - this is exactly my problem - cleen green etc. gleams it like a silver bullet - but it EATS the metal.

Thanks Tumbleweed - -will try out your recipe!

[Asterix]

[DarkHelmet]

What is the general opinion on sunlight fed pressure cleaners?

[Grumpy]

What is the general opinion on sunlight fed pressure cleaners?

Don't work well in overcast conditions. !!
Hat coat door.

[Air Hog]

What is the general opinion on sunlight fed pressure cleaners?

Don't work well in overcast conditions. !!
Hat coat door.

Great one Grumps

[DarkHelmet]

Bwahahahaha! But you know what I mean, them Karcher/Bosch Pressure Sprayers that suck "Sunlight Liquid Soap"

[Gyronaut]

They work great, just be aware of the force of the jet, can strip paint easily.
Also keep it away from your electric plugs and connections. Spray them with ACF50.
Wash off liberally with fresh water afterwards.
Dont put anything but baby powder on your pre-rotator belts. Hose included.
Just my 2c worth

[DarkHelmet]

What about the wing?

[Tumbleweed]

I used a rental carpet/ upholstery cleaner and using the issued upholstery shampoo, attacked my pannier bags, seats and eventually the piss kolle on my wing (brush lightly first) caused by condensation from inside the hangar roof.

20 minutes later, 40 minutes to dry completely and amazing results. Brand new.

[WhiteEagle]

Hi Asterix,

I use a handcleaner to "polish" the whole trike. The cleaner is PH neutral. It has lanolin oils in it. It leaves all plastics, tubing and even the prop looking as good as new. Just smear on and rub a bit where neaded and whipe clean, I use cloth baby dypers. Just make sure that the handcleaner you use is a type that you can leave on your hands and also just whipe clean. Then it is PH neatral. No fuss, no water that can get into places is should not go. Don't know if you have Taurus products in RSA.
Cheers