Alodine Process for Protecting Aluminum

[kitcarbp]

I wanted to drop a quick note and share results I obtained using Henkel's Alodine process for protecting aluminum from corrosion and preparing it for paint if needed. The process was exactly as Henkel (supplier) instructed with supplied directions. This process has been used for decades protecting aluminum on aircrafts. This application in photo was for my fuel cell fill plate (shop made) and backing nut plate used on my plastic PE fuel tank. Preped with an acid to clean the aluminum (Alumaprep 33), rinsed in clean water and then apply the Alodine (brush or dip). It comes in clear or light gold as seen here in my results. The filler neck in photo is not freshly treated but will be soon. My motivation was an alternative to anodizing since its difficult to find anodizers who will do custom stuff at low cost. Took about 30 minutes from start to finish in my garage and I am happy with results. Follow the instructions and it works as advertised. I plan on doing this to all the small pieces of aluminum found throughout my car where I dont need it painted but need corrosion protection.