Salt infested Wing mirrors

[David & Ann]

Living by the sea, the frame work of my wing mirrors has accumilated salt. I have tried to gently use a scouring pad with Squeezy and other detergents but to no avail. I was thinking of using 0000 wet and dry emery cloth but decided against it. Can any one advice me as to how to get rid of the salt without causing scratches? Thanks in advance.

 

[maingate]

Very hot water in a Sqezy bottle????????

 

[David & Ann]

Very hot water in a Sqezy bottle????????

Hi Maingate, I have tried it but nothings happens. I think the part of the mirror which is fixed to the doors are made of Aliminium which is coated with plastic. Is it possible that the Aliminium is porous and that could be the problem? I really don't know!!!!

 

[Bigpeetee]

What are the frames of your wing mirror made of?

Is it just salt or a mixture inc sand & dust.
I live within 300m of the sea, the wind blows the spray onto the MH.

I'm constantly washing off the crud, also as I use it all through the winter, I get loads of road salt accumulating. Constant cleaning helps, but the exposed metalwork suffers, wheels, tow bar etc so painting once or twice a year help.

Very hot water should dissolve the salt

 

[gordon]

if the frame is ali then the white is not salt it is the ali anodising due to the salt water its the same if water grts inbetween the plastic and the ali it will start blistering.

 

[Canalsman]

It is likely that you'll have to sand the affected areas back to good metal, and then prime and paint ...

 

[David & Ann]

I think all 3 of you, Pete, Gordon and Canalsman have hit the nail on the head. Pete'e description is right. I too live by the sea, but don't do as much cleaning as him. Gordon's remark, is what I think it is. Aliminium that has gone porous. And of course, the treatment suggested by Canalsman is the way I think I will go by lightly rubbing it down and give it a respray. Thanks guys, it really helps.