Aluminum Tracks

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keelbolts
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Aluminum Tracks

Post by keelbolts »

My son has acquired an old Albin Scampi that he is in the process of bringing back. I have a quick question. I'd like to take some fine sandpaper and clean up her aluminum tracks as I might with the bronze tracks on my boat. Question: are aluminum tracks anodized? They don't appear to be, but, if they are, stripping the anodizing could allow them to corrode.
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keelbolts
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by keelbolts »

Alright. 28 people have viewed my question, but nobody's answered.

Is the question
1) too hard?
2) too dumb?
3) in the wrong place?
Celerity - 1970 Morgan 30

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Rachel
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by Rachel »

Well, speaking for myself, I just don't know. I have this idea that most (all?) aluminum tracks are anodized, yet you say it does not look like it is, and... I can't see it. I'm assuming sail sheeting track, but don't know for sure from the description.

Other than that, I'm on it ;)
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by Hirilondë »

I would think it is anodized. And if so, then sanding is not a good thing. If it isn't, then sanding will clean it up, but it won't last long before pitting and such appears.
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by Tim »

I don't know if your tracks are anodized or not. Brand-new aluminum T- tracks are anodized, either black or clear, but that doesn't mean yours are or aren't. As always, a picture is worth 1000 words. Speaking in generalities in response to a specific question is relatively worthless.
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by bcooke »

You could just alodine them when you are done sanding. Alodine is the low brow chemical version of anodizing. In either method the only purpose is to create a thin layer of corrosion on the surface that will protect the metal beneath.

Or just use a good primer and paint the tracks when you are done sanding.
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by mitiempo »

I would bet they were originally anodized, otherwise there would be a lot of corrosion after all these years.
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by Skipper599 »

bcooke said ... "Or just use a good primer and paint the tracks when you are done sanding."

I hasten to say, not any old primer because ... If they're aluminum, and the anodising has been removed, they should be cleaned and painted with Chromate primer. This will etch itself onto the surface to make a permanent base for a finish coat ... I would suggest you Google "Painting Aluminum" and you'll learn more about refinishing aluminum than you ever thought you needed to know. (It's NOT as simple as one would think) ... How do I know? Simply because, I've recently been reading up on it myself.

I'm about to purchase some chromate paint for a pair of new, bare aluminum spreaders ... Once they're primed, I will probably paint them either "Off White" or "Bone" color. I really wanted them anodised however, the cost to do so at the local plating shop is prohibitive. Further, I'm now considering doing the mast and boom too. I'd love to have it all done professionally but, the costs are getting higher than I'm willing to pay therefore, I shall attempt to educate myself on the internet and take it from there.
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by bcooke »

Yes, definitely not any primer. I am not sure what would be considered 'best' but it probably needs to be considered as a companion to the final paint. I think the chromates are on the way to becoming a bit old fashioned but they have certainly been the primer of choice for aluminum in the past and probably do the same decent job today that they have always done.

Personally, I would skip Google because there is far more bad information than good on the Internet. An automotive paint store or some other profesional retailer could probably steer you towards the latest and greatest.

The alodine chemicals are available at the auto paint stores too. You might be able to ask around for a shop that can anodize if you are feeling really ambitious.
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keelbolts
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Re: Aluminum Tracks

Post by keelbolts »

Thanks for the replies. I will leave the tracks alone, for right now, and get a photo up when it stops raining here at the end of the week.

Again, I am convinced that this is the best forum, on any subject, on the web. I am or have been a member of numerous forums on boats, cars, motorcycles, guitars, amplifiers, diesel engines, guns... None have had the quantity, quality, civility, or activity of this forum. Thanks to all you forumites and, most of all, thanks Tim for starting & maintaining the site.
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How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges in it?
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