"Barrett Bonden" wrote in message
...




Have a 1972 Pearson with an aluminum boom that looks like it was made
in -
1971. Any way to get it looking better - short of paint ? A friend
suggested sanding off the pitting , but also cautioned against weakening
it
with too much sanding - but it would be nice to restore a new aluminum
finish -

Paint will cover a multitude of sins, especially if a little prep work is
done first. Don't attempt to remove deep scratches or pits, rather smooth
the level surface areas with 600 or 800 wet paper prior to painting. If you
use a linear polyurethane paint, such as Alumagrip (an aircraft paint for
aluminum surfaces) in a light color (white?) the paint will mask or
de-emphasize the imperfections. If you're adamant about an aluminum finish,
simply treat the surface with Aluminum Jelly until it is fairly white. Then
apply a metal polish until slightly glossy, or better yet brush the surface
with a wire brush on a spinning mandrel.

That's what I'd do.

Max