Cleaning Aluminum Receivers

[jtamark]

I picked up a Heym over-under in 16ga/22mag. Like the Blaser, it has an aluminum receiver. The alum receiver must be a German thing, as I don't think that's popular in America.

This receiver has dirt or stains, inside and out. How can I safely clean it off, without harming either the aluminum or the protective lacquer that might be on it? Alum is soft than steel, and the protective finish is probably even softer.

Joe

P.S. Anyone know of an English language Heym forum? I did a search, didn't see any.

[canalrifle]

I would contact Heym USA (Double Gun Imports)
Dallas, TX
Info!heymusa.com
(214) 606-2566

[jtamark]

CanalR,
I messaged HeymUSA, and also Heym Germany ( https://www.heym-manufaktur.de/en/ ). I've heard that Heym USA isn't very good on vintage arms that pre-date them, but I have hopes for the mother company overseas.

I'm also looking into German Heym forums for info. Oddly, I'm not finding as many as I hoped. If anything gets a positive response, I'll let the group know.

Joe

[canalrifle]

Thanks for the update. Hope you get the info you need.

[Gamsjagd]

They are super cheap guns over here. Sub $500, most of them are $350.

They usually shoot pretty well.

I hope you didn't pay a kings ransom for it.

[jtamark]

I heard back from Heym USA. No "advice either than stripping the lacquer, bead-blasting and re-lacquering (sic)."

I'm looking for an aggressive but safe cleaning technique. Stripping the finish isn't needed. I'm trying a German forum. If there's any good responses, I'll post them.

Joe

P.S. Here's a pic of what I'd like to clean.

[canalrifle]

If you don’t get suggestions, I would just try starting with a little hot water and soap, and if needed, a little alcohol, etc.

[jtamark]

Canalrifle,
I'm finding that ethanol is aluminum safe, but that isopropyl will corrode aluminum, and alcohol will remove lacquer.

I hope for answer from a German forum I started with, but am surprised how "undeveloped" their internet communities are. Here, there are forums devoted to every manufacturer (Remington, Winchester, etc). In German, I'm not seeing that at all.


Sources;
https://www.fonnovaluminium.com/prevent ... osion.html
https://woodworkingclarity.com/how-to-r ... from-wood/

[canalrifle]

I hope you can find the solution.

[snookntarpon]

I work with aluminum. product called aluma guard
use it a lot. try that. if it sits under the lacquer, you need to get it off. If it is corrosion it ill continue to fester under teh laquer

https://ruppmarine.com/products/aluma-g ... gLdbPD_BwE

best,
SnT

[jtamark]

SnT, I was able to get it off by trying different cleaning solvents. Fortunately it wasn't below the lacquer.
It came off fine from the smooth breech face, but a little stain remains in the narrow engraving on the receiver sides. I can live with that amount.

Joe