Cleaning and polishing Aluminum reels

[mark bumgarner]

I have a few aluminum reels that I have never attempted to clean but feel the time has come for a couple. Articles in "Cleaning, Restoring and Repairing Antique Fishing Reels" warns against using any cleaners or polishes containing ammonia or acid. I was wondering what some of you would recommend as your preferred method of cleaning and what should I put on reel after cleaning to protect aluminum and aluminum alloys, if anything.
Thanks in advance!
Bummy

[john elder]

You can’t hardly go wrong using dish soap and warm water, with toothbrush. If the aluminum is anodized or leaded, you don’t want to use an aggressive treatment that might remove coloration/material. In general, with collectable reels, you don’t want it shiny, but showing that surface oxidation that appears as patina on a well cared for reel. Just my thoughts!

John

[mark bumgarner]

Thanks John, always heed your advice ! Got a couple done and they look pretty good, don't even need to polish the plated foot of either reel. Did have to go over old dry grease a few times but persistence won.
How about those Boilermakers!
Thanks again
Bummy

[john elder]

Hail, Purdue!!