I usually swear by solvol autosol metal polish for the ali but it is quite expensive, I plan to polish the ali sides and backend of my car, so is there a cheaper comparible alternative or where is the cheapest place for solvol autosol as I'll probably need a few tubes of the stuff!!

Cheers gang

Rich

what about T-CUT or ToothPaste?

You might like to try Meguires metal polish - not cheap, but it goes a long way. It also works, and is much easier to clean off than Autosol.

Second the Meguires . I use an electric polisher with a sponge mop , takes about 10 minutes a side

Toothpaste is cheap. But perhaps it's a bit fine for the job. Equally cream cleaner might be a bit too coarse- but maybe worth a try.....

autosols not that bad price in wilco..

Ime currently using T Cut on my ally panels, buff up with a soft cloth then finally clean off with body wax. Looks OK to me but it depends just what kind of finish you want. I think it would take a fair bit of Autosol to do side, back and bonnet as on mine from the start.

hee hee I went this route with the falcons bonnet and actually stripped off the original paintwork...see pic, have to say after a year of endless buffing and polishing I'd never ever do this again. Aluminum dulls so quickly and lacquer won't stick to a polished surface. Paint is far better and a lot less work

[Edited on 29/12/08 by Mr Whippy]Image deleted by owner

look up BELGOM ALU
Belgom Alu has been developed specifically to clean, polish and protect aluminium, copper, brass, nickel and chrome. Where it differs from other metal polishes is that it contains wax, which provides a protective film on the surface of the metal plus a shine that will last for weeks.

Unique wax-based formula
Cleans, polishes and protects
Ideal for aluminium, copper, brass, nickel & chrome
Easy to use - rub on, polish off
Also great for motorcycles, boats and concourse trophies!

THIS STUF IS THE BEST BY FAR I HAVE TRYED EVRYTHING ON BIKE FRAMES AND FORKES ONCE POLISHED GIVE IT A FINAL POLISH WITH THIS STUFF.
IT GIVE IT A WAX COATING YOU CANT SEE PROTECTING ALL YOUR HARD WORD.