healing corroded/oxidized aluminum?

[Nelsie]

I'm looking at a Pearson 365 that has been neglected and has a lot of cosmetic needs, including a lot of corrosion/oxidation on the aluminum portlight frames, throttle, and other parts. Can any of you advise me as to how best to repair the damage?

[Sailormann]

Buff it with steel wool - but it will never look new again. If you want it to look nice you will end up having to prime it and paint it - or repla$e it. When aluminum corrodes, it pits quite badly.

[sailaway21]

It was anodized when new and that wears off with time. The good news is that the dull gray appearance you see keeps it from degrading further, it's a layer of oxidation. You can remove and replace it, or have it re-anodized, neither of which is cheap by any measure, and the problem will be back. Perhaps the best solution is to paint it. You must remove the oxidation, etch it, prime it with an aluminum specific primer, and then paint it. The results can be outstanding but time comsuming.

[sailingdog]

One other thing... you may want to fill and fair the surfaces before painting.