Exterior Cleaning a bull bar

[Dobbie]

I need some sage advice on cleaning an ally bull bar.

After a couple of weeks camping in sand the car is filthy and the bull bar is dull and needs some tlc.

I've been told anything from toothpaste or similar light abrasive works, also vinegar and bicarbonate as well as a few other possibilities, one of which Supercheap sell but I can't remember the name of it.

I don't want to go chasing stuff I've never tried, nor do I want to create a problem by trying stuff which might make it worse.

So...anything that has worked for you?

 

[Smirke]

Brasso or silvo (get it in Coles/woolies) I have used it on stainless steel before and it's come up shiny. Not sure how it would go on the bullbar.

 

[Drover]

The old truck had a massive alloy bullbar and I have used stuff called Purple and it did well but was expensive so started using Autosol, comes in a tube or a tub, they have a metal one and an alloy one both work well and do a pretty good job by hand, works well on a small buffer also and repells water for awhile as well. Buy when on the 2 for 1 specials for $10.

 

[Dobbie]

Thanks!


Now I remember the name.

 

[Cammo]

The old truck had a massive alloy bullbar and I have used stuff called Purple and it did well but was expensive so started using Autosol, comes in a tube or a tub, they have a metal one and an alloy one both work well and do a pretty good job by hand, works well on a small buffer also and repells water for awhile as well. Buy when on the 2 for 1 specials for $10.

Ditto above

 

[Bellbirdweb]

*Try posting a bit more so your post isn't boring* for Autosol

 

[Dobbie]

It's off to Supercheap for me......after I get half of Noosa out of the car and the van.

I keep telling myself to do it slowly and do it well.....and I've succeeded with the slow bit.

Will then attack the bull bar......and will report on success!

 

[achjimmy]

Yep auto sol and ladies nylons can't beat it for polishing alloy. We used it all the time in the trade. Gotta say though I only owned a alloy bullbar once.

 

[17triton]

Yep auto sol and ladies nylons can't beat it for polishing alloy. We used it all the time in the trade. Gotta say though I only owned a alloy bullbar once.

I hope you weren't wearing the ladies nylons Jim?

 

[achjimmy]

I hope you weren't wearing the ladies nylons Jim?

Stops getting the cream on ya legs

 

[dagree]

Stops getting the cream on ya legs

I am so tempted to make a comment..... But it would be Off Topic and this is also a family forum

 

[bigcol]

another vote for the Autosol, SWMBO uses it on the Alli bull bar on her cruiser (occasionally)

 

[dagree]

Was also trying to remember the name as I used to use the chrome autosol on car bumpers when I was younger...... Showing my age now

 

[Bushman]

I got some polish from Local 4B store they sell it to customers that have alloy bars fitted from ECB
used it on the centre tube of my ARB Sahara bar and the chequer plate on the Panda before we sold it, came up a treat but bloody hard work

 

[mfexpanda]

Yes autosol here too

 

[PhilW]

I can vouch for the Autosol.
2 hours of elbow grease.
Purchased the bar second hand and thought I would buff it before install.

 

[Dobbie]

I haven't started it yet!

Still getting sand out of interior.

 

[Max Wallace]

I haven't started it yet!

Still getting sand out of interior.

The most important thing about keeping that polished alloy shine on your bulbar is DON'T use any of the bug and tar removers on as it will tarnish the alloy very quickly.

 

[Dean Anderson]

Don't. If it's badly tarnished it's gunna take forever. With buffing wheels to get into the corners I spent about 5 hours on the Prado. Looked fantastic for a couple months. Then tarnished again.Only have painted bullbars now.

 

[Dobbie]

Still haven't attacked it but need to in the next day or so.

Will report on success or lack thereof.