Cleaning Exposed Aluminum Driver Baskets

[markd51]

Saw this question posted in another forum, and was something I was always curious about?

With Driver intact (not stripped for re-coning), let's for example say the Driver is a LE5-5 Midrange Driver?

Let's say that this "face" area is slightly discolored, oxidized, stained, it there anyway to safely, and easily bring back some beauty without damage?

Your ideas will be helpful, thank you.

[Earl K]

For sure there was a good thread on that very subject ( sometime within the life of this forum ).

I'll look around to see if i bookmarked it ,

:)

[Earl K]

Here's One Thread on the Subject (http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?4998-How-To-Restore-Aluminum-Finish-Around-Drivers&highlight=refinish)

:)

[markd51]

I looked through. And yep, noticed that some posters shown torn down Drivers.

I understand like such, you can have at it, go to town with many things, and less risk because it is not an intact driver, of which you don't want any harm to come to.

That's where I had sort of thought "could a chemical process remove the grunge, without effecting the original finish?"

I assume, absolutely nothing like Steel Wool!

[markd51]

Oh well.

[1audiohack]

For these type of chores I use aluminum wheel cleaner. These are acid base and all the usual harsh chemical cautions apply. Make sure to neutralize with a good rinse.

Some acids will blacken some aluminum alloys so I wouldn’t use anything not made for aluminum brightening.

Barry.

[Earl K]

A little bit more info;

Read thread Cleaning Aluminum Frames (http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?26234-Cleaning-Aluminum-Frames)

I haven't tried this phosphoric acid approach ( though it makes perfect sense ) .

Below is one members result ( flodstroem ) using the sanding method ( as outlined within my first link );

Looks Great ( to these eyes ).

http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=5908&stc=1&d=1110328508


:)