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Finishing 7075 aluminum for a dry salt environment (Bonneville)

Q. We are constructing a twin engine turbo charged motorcycle streamliner for an attempt at the world land speed record to run at Bonneville Utah this summer. The wheels suspension and many other components are made of 7075 T851 aluminum and are subject to a harsh salt environment. What would be the best surface finishing treatment to resist corrosion in this type of application?

Mike Akatiff
- San Jose, California, USA
2003

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Clear anodize works fine. Be sure to remove any steel like on your brake rotors or the steel will dissolve and may cause your aluminum to etch. The caliper housing is most likely already anodized.Make sure the anodizer knows the alloy of your aluminum and does not mix it with any other alloys. Mixing alloys can sometimes cause etching. A product called Rupp Alumaguard is available. After several applications of this product on anodized aluminum dirt and salt rinse off very easily.

Todd Osmolski
- Charlotte, North Carolina, USA
2003

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