I figured this would be an adequate forum to throw this question on, if not just move it somewhere that will be more helpful admins.

Anyways, I have a Turbonetics TO4B compressor housing I want to freshen up a little bit. It appears to have some hard water stains on it (I assume) and I would also like to color in the lettering with some red paint. From my research I was able to find a few different aluminum rim polishes and a few home remedies. I know I've used scotch brite pads for stainless before but I can foresee that damaging the aluminum finish. I will most likely use X7 model paint or some cherry/candy red touch up paint.

Input would be well appreciated.

 

Scotch Brite won't ruin Aluminum. You'll need to actually use something a bit more aggressive, to really cut down rougher surfaces. Typically, with a cast part, people start with a low-grit sandpaper (aroun 100grit) and work up to higher grit papers like 1500-2000.

 

It is actually already polished, I don't want to ruin the finish that is their. Just clean it, I forgot to post my pictures in my original post.

 

 

Hell yeah, just needs cleaning up.. so use any aluminum polish.

or

I have those two, Simichrome is the old-school favorite.
If it has a clear coat protective layer, you'll have to remove that first. I think lacquer thinner works.
If you get polish in that pebble-grain of those letters, clean it out with a toothbrush and some brake kleen or acetone or something so the paint will adhere, then repolish that area after paint for good protection.

 

I have simichrome in my bathroom for that matter, I can't believe I never put two and two together.

I used to use it for my AEG barrels after the brass would get stained from removal.

Thanks!