Spun aluminum tank

My fuel cell has a bunch of old stickers, glue from a previous attachment point and overall grunge all over it. I've tried acetone and lacquer thinner on the glue bands and it wont touch it. I know it will come off with a wire brush but think it will mess up the spun finish, any ideas on how to clean it? I'm building a hot rod not a show car but I still want it to look presentable. The pictures don't show how grungy it really is. Thanks

 

Sometimes, dabbing on Eucalyptus Oil will dissolve sticky stuff. Just a possibility!
How about a heat-gun and mild scourer? Maybe even a calico polishing mop on a hand drill?
Just trying to help. Hope you get it sorted; I like to imagine what the tank may be getting fitted to!

 

I've used carb cleaner to get adhesive residue off of a lot of things. Might work?

 

Red scotch brite pad and some acetone...just keep working the scotch brite in the same direction as the spun aluminum finish...worst case scenario it gives you a duller brushed aluminum finish when you're done...

 

Lighter fluid
works for me

 

Might not be glue, but hot glue! I'd take a propane torch and warm it up, then wipe it with a rag to see if it comes off when heated. If it does, then just keep gradually warming it, and wiping it off as you go. After that a little brake cleaner on a rag to clean the residue.

 

Marson Air Craft Stripper. (comes in a blue can with an airplane on it) Works everytime. Will not hurt aluminum at all.

 

Have you tried goo-gone ? That stuff does work.

 

I've had the same problem at times using the same solvents you have tried. Paint Thinner has done the trick instead.

 

thanks guys, I like the scotch bright idea. it needs something abrasive with a solvent but I hadn't thought about scotch brite.

 

3m makes some stuff called citrus cleaner. I've had it do things that solvents won't

 

WD40 is good on releasing glue.
Brake Cleaner has also worked for me too.

 

use Laquer thinner with the red scotch pad till the glue is off, then hit it with a grey scotch pad which is less abrasive and will smooth out the red pad scratches.

 

WD40 works

 

Try 3m General purpose adhesive remover.It takes the residue of 3m tape used to attach body moldings off. Works well for stickers for me anyways.

 

do not use a propane torch it will make it look worse. if you need heat use an electric heat gun!

 

Not to mention do you really want to heat a gas tank witha flame?

Try Goof Off, works great