I need help with this for the upcoming Concours. The inlet on my V6 W210 is magnificently formed in an alloy and nicely in view, EXCEPT that it has an intricate surface finish that looks blotchy and seems to hold the dirt rather tightly.
Having tried cleaning it normally without much effect, I then tried (very lightly) sanding with 400 Wet & Dry which cleaned it up fairly well without going too far but the ingrained dirt is still there. I then tried turps, which helper a little but still not good enough. Next was alloy wheel cleaner with a toothbrush, still not good enough. What else could I use? Truck wash was then scrubbed in with a toothbrush once more, but no go, you can still see the dirt in/on the surface. My last effort was Xylene, thinking that it would strip anything out, but no, the manifold is still not Concourse.
So what is the trick to obtaining an 'as new' finish on the alloy inlet manifold?
Having tried cleaning it normally without much effect, I then tried (very lightly) sanding with 400 Wet & Dry which cleaned it up fairly well without going too far but the ingrained dirt is still there. I then tried turps, which helper a little but still not good enough. Next was alloy wheel cleaner with a toothbrush, still not good enough. What else could I use? Truck wash was then scrubbed in with a toothbrush once more, but no go, you can still see the dirt in/on the surface. My last effort was Xylene, thinking that it would strip anything out, but no, the manifold is still not Concourse.
So what is the trick to obtaining an 'as new' finish on the alloy inlet manifold?